Michelin to Supply LMPC & GTC European Le Mans Series Classes

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest and Le Mans Endurance Management have announced that Michelin has been selected as the official tire supplier for the LMPC and GTC classes in the 2013 European Le Mans Series.

LMPC will use the Michelin S9H tire as it is the specification used with success in previous seasons in the category. The S9H has shown a large working window, high performance and durability, with good consistency of performance and balance.

GTC will be limited to three sets of slick tires for each of the five race weekends and each set will be marked either A, B or C. Each set will be assigned to a session – ‘A’ to Free Practice 1, ‘B’ to Free Practice 2 and ‘C’ to Qualifying. T

he used sets will then be used in turn during the race. This regulation for three sets of tires will help reduce the costs to each team while the more sustainable use of the tires will mean the category is more environmentally friendly.

“We are pleased to welcome Michelin as the official tire supplier for the LMPC and GTC categories,” said Gerard Neveu, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management. “The company has a long and fruitful relationship with the ACO and is a leader in every category of endurance racing around the world. 

“The use of control tires in these categories will help reduce the costs to the teams while maintaining a good balance of performance on the track for all the competitors.”

Serge Grisin, manager of the Michelin’s four-wheel motorsport programes, added: “Michelin is delighted to have been chosen as a partner of the European Le Mans Series to supply tires to competitors in its LMPC and GTC classes. It provides us with a chance to showcase the benefits of the Michelin Total Performance plan not only to those involved in the championship but also to fans of endurance racing. 

“The Michelin Total Performance plan uses unique technologies to develop tires which deliver high performance on every front, even in those areas frequently believed to be irreconcilable. Indeed, the championship’s regulations call for highly versatile tires in both classes, since only one type of slick and one type of rain tire are authorised. 

“Also, in addition to supplying tires from the Michelin endurance racing range, we provide competitors with an on-event support service, as well as advice from a team of experienced technicians.”

The European Le Mans Series will feature a strong grid of 29 cars at the opening round of the relaunched series at Silverstone on the 13th April.