A reinforced rubber article containing a rubber article and a fibrous layer embedded into the rubber article. The fibrous layer contains monoaxially drawn tape elements having a rectangular cross-section and at least a first layer having a draw ratio of at least about 5, a modulus of at least about 2 GPa, a density of at least 0.85 g/cm3. The first layer contains a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamide, polyester, and co-polymers thereof. Methods of forming the reinforced rubber article are also disclosed.