Catégories Communiqués de presse: Competition

Berlin E-prix: The MICHELIN Pilot Sport’s winning formula

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport's winning formula: more versatility, more respect for the environment and a better show for the fans.

August 14 2020
Imprimer

The 2019-2020 FIA Formula E Championship has just come to an end after a series of six races on the runways of Berlin's historic Tempelhof Airport. Six E-Prix in just nine days, organised to conclude a season that started in late 2019 in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and then moved on to 2020 through Santiago de Chile (Chile), Mexico City (Mexico) and Marrakech (Morocco), before taking a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
This very intense end of the season tested all the teams, who rose to the challenge with flying colours, and finally enabled Antonio Felix Da Costa and his team DS Techeetah, partners of Michelin, to clinch the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles. For Michelin Motorsport, this ambitious sequence required unprecedented efforts and a technical and logistics center was set up in the German capital at the end of July.
“Given the local rules and the sanitary measures that were put into place for the meeting, we took just six fitters, just as we would have done to an ordinary E-Prix, while we accompanied our partners through six Formula E events and seven in the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy! " said Jérôme Mondain, Michelin's Formula E manager. "The women and men of Michelin Motorsport then mounted, balanced, inflated and dismounted 1,300 tires. Over such a short period of time, it was a real challenge brilliantly met by our team, which I would like to congratulate for its commitment and performance. We wanted to document this exceptional work and share it with fans through videos published on Michelin's social networks.”
The last two E-Prix of the season took place around a new 2.505-kilometre circuit which was 150 metres longer than the usual Tempelhof arrangement, with 16 instead of 10 turns. “The additional corners were all slow, so they placed bigger demands on the traction performance of our tyres,” notes Jérôme Mondain. “The decision to lower the minimum authorised tyre pressure from 1.3 to 1.1 bar that we took together with the FIA after the first two Berlin E-Prix proved a positive step not only for the quality of the show but also for the drivers who benefited from even greater consistency during the last two races, despite the repeated hard reacceleration that was required out of the revised layout’s tight turns. There is little doubt that our tyres played a real part in the success of the season’s exceptional finale.”
Michelin’s Formula E tyre is the same whatever the circuit, whatever the weather, whatever the temperature and whatever the humidity level.

It is also the only single-seater racing tyre that is capable of racing in dry and wet conditions alike, as showcased during the fourth Berlin E-Prix which was marked by a mid-race shower in the course of which the lap times were the same as they had been previously in the dry.
On top of that, Michelin’s Formula E tyre is capable of taking extremely hot track temperatures in excess of 60°C in its stride, like those encountered at last season’s Santiago E-Prix in Chile, as well as ground temperatures as low as 5°C, as was the case during the first free practice session for the Marrakech E-Prix in Morocco, a matter of weeks afterwards. The ability of this tyre to be safe and efficient on all types of surface and in all weathers was once again praised this season by all the drivers.
The result of five years of research, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport for Formula E is also a champion of energy efficiency, thanks to its low rolling resistance, in addition to being virtuous thanks to its mass reduced by 9 kg per set of tyres compared with the first version, launched in 2013 and already considered as light.
The penultimate race of the season (on Wednesday, August 12) was won by Oliver Rowland (Nissan e.dams), ahead of Robin Frijns (Envision Virgin Racing) and René Rast (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler).
The winner of the 2019/2020 campaign’s final clash (Thursday, August 13) was Stoffel Vandoorne who was joined on the podium by his Mercedes-Benz EQ team-mate Nyck de Vries and Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams).
The 2019/2020 Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, for which Michelin was the exclusive tyre supplier, was won by New Zealander Simon Evans (Team Asia New Zealand).
The ABB FIA Formula E Championship’s seventh season will kick off in Santiago, Chile, on January 16, 2021.

MICHELIN Pilot Sport for Formula E: the first connected tyre in motor sport

For the first time this season, Michelin has introduced a connected tyre in Formula E, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport equipped with the Michelin Track Connect system. This innovation is in line with the Group's development strategy, which already markets a Michelin Track Connect solution for Track Days enthusiasts. Michelin's goal is to extend the benefits of digital technologies applied to tyres to mass production vehicles, in order to provide the car and its driver with useful information, particularly in terms of safety and energy efficiency.
Michelin Track Connect for Formula E allows tyre pressures to be monitored automatically and reliably – whether hot or cold. This new solution addresses a demand expressed by motorsport’s governing body, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), which has incorporated its use into Formula E’s regulations. It also meets a requirement of the teams and the championship’s promoter.

Michelin Track Connect for Formula E uses a Michelin-designed and developed sensor embedded in a specific casing inside the MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres which feature in the series. The data it collects is transmitted in encrypted form to the FIA and Michelin, who are the only recipients. Not only does this make sure that the information remains confidential, but it also allows the FIA to check minimum tyre pressures are adhered to. In addition to saving time, it is additional reassurance for the teams and helps to streamline the running of race days.

Ring lap record for Michelin-shod Porsche Panamera

The new Porsche Panamera, fitted with specially developed MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, has set a new lap record for ‘executive cars’ on the 20.832-kilometre Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, posting a time of 7 minutes 29.81 seconds.

August 13 2020
Imprimer

Driven by Porsche test driver, Lars Kern, the Panamera was fitted with 275/35 ZR 21 front and 325/30 ZR 21 rear MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 ND0 tires, which have been developed for the new Panamera and will be available as an option following the car’s market launch.

 

Speaking after setting the lap time, Lars Kern said: ‘The car’s improved lateral dynamics and the increased grip level of the new Michelin PS Cup 2 tires had a major effect at the Schwedenkreuz. Here I managed to reach cornering speeds that I previously would not have thought possible with the Panamera.’

 

Already fitted as original equipment to numerous class-leading cars produced by the German manufacturer, including the 918 Spyder, Cayman GT4, 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, and the 911 GT2 RS the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires feature technologies developed at the highest levels of motor sport. These technologies are available to road drivers – enabling them to benefit from the highest levels of durability, grip, handling and safety.

 

These developments include multi-compound technology and casing designs which ensure very high and consistent grip levels in a variety of weather conditions, and tire rigidity for exceptional steering precision, balance and handling. As a result, passionate drivers benefit from a unique combination of safety and driving enjoyment that makes the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires suitable for everyday road use, as well as in very demanding conditions on the racetrack.

 

During the co-development of these tires by Michelin and Porsche engineers, they were optimised and fine-tuned to suit the characteristics demanded by Porsche for the new Panamera. This resulted in tires which not only offer very high grip levels, consistent performance and excellent front/rear balance, but which crucially still conform to European regulations concerning rolling resistance (R117-2).

A busy 2019/2020 Formula E finale in store for the teams and Michelin

Six e-prix in Berlin in nine days: a technical, logistical and sanitary challenge for the teams and for Michelin

August 4 2020
Imprimer
  • Berlin’s former Berlin Tempelhof: a single venue, three different track layouts
  • Plenty of on-track action, but with even fewer Michelin tyres
  • Three generations of innovative MICHELIN Pilot Sport Formula E tyres with successive gains in terms of versatility/longevity, energy efficiency and low weight
  • MICHELIN Pilot Sport sizes
  • MICHELIN Track Connect: motorsport’s first connected system
  • Michelin’s Everything Sustainable plan in favour of the environment

Formula-E 2019/2020 – Berlin

Michelin lowers the pressures for a more exciting race in Berlin

August 10 2020
Imprimer

Just days after the 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship resumed last week with the first two of the six Berlin E-Prix planned over a period of nine days, the teams, drivers and Michelin were back in action this weekend at the German capital’s former Tempelhof Airport for Rounds 8 and 9 which proved just as entertaining.

After boosting his chances with victories from pole position on Wednesday and Thursday, Antonio Felix Da Costa succeeded in his bid to clinch the 2019/2020 Drivers’ crown today (Sunday) in his Michelin-equipped DS Techeetah, with two rounds remaining.

The combination of the Portuguese driver’s second place and the win of his team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne on Sunday has also made sure that the Constructors title will go to DS Techeetah.

Congratulations to Antonio Felix Da Costa and DS Techeetah on their extraordinary performance. It’s been a challenging season and it hasn’t been easy to maintain a strong, consistent rhythm, but this is the first time the Formula E Drivers’ title has been wrapped up ahead of the final round. Michelin Motorsport is delighted to have successfully provided the drivers with a tyre that has been up to the high standard demanded of it and enabled them to focus on their racing.
Jérôme Mondain, the manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme

The weather for both of this weekend’s e-prix was hotter than it was for Rounds 6 and 7, with air and track temperatures in excess of 30°C and 40°C respectively as the 24 drivers lapped the same 2.355-kilometre, 10-turn circuit as last week, but this time run anticlockwise, which is the layout they have become familiar with over the years.

MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres for Formula E : show winning form as action resumes in Berlin

The 2019/2020 ABB FIA Formula E Championship got back under way this week, with all those involved observing a strict sanitary protocol. The first two e-prix of the six-race, nine-day meeting – which visits the abrasive track at Berlin’s former Tempelhof Airport – took place in hot summer sunshine.

August 6 2020
Imprimer

In contrast to the series’ previous trips to the German capital, the first two races used a clockwise version of the 2.355-kilometre, 10-turn circuit, but the 24 drivers had to cope with the same, notoriously hard-wearing surface, although the track’s width provides good overtaking opportunities.

In addition to the exceptional circumstances associated with this season’s finale, the championship’s organisers and the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) decided to spice up the competition a little by reducing the tyre allocation per driver by 25 percent, with just three sets available instead of four for each of the three pairs of e-prix. This decision fits perfectly with the spirit that drives the all-electric series which actively promotes the protection of the environment, a value it shares with Michelin.

“Although this new measure added to the challenge faced by the teams in terms of strategy, it had no negative impact on the quality of the show provided by the first two E-Prix in Berlin,” notes Jérôme Mondain, the manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme. “The drivers were able to race at their own pace thanks to the wise management of their quotas by their respective teams who switched between new and part-worn tyres. Many of them, but not all, chose to keep the tyres they used in qualifying for the race. We know this venue quite well because the championship has been here several times since the very first season, so we were confident the current MICHELIN Pilot Sport – which raced here in 2019 – would be up to the job. In fact, wear turned out not to be an issue and most of the drivers posted their fastest race laps towards the end of the races to provide yet another illustration of our tyres’ exceptional versality.”

The current-generation MICHELIN Pilot Sport Formula E tyre is effectively capable of delivering top performance whatever the weather conditions, not to mention its fast warm-up characteristics, resistance to wear, high grip and consistency, while its low rolling resistance contributes to the range of the championship’s all-electric single-seater cars. On top of that, the track and air temperatures in Berlin reached close to 40°C and 30°C respectively.

The first of the 2019/2020 calendar’s six Berlin E-Prix, on August 5, was won by Antonio Felix Da Costa (DS Techeetah), ahead of André Lotterer (Tag Heuer Porsche Motorsport) and Sam Bird (Envision Virgin Racing).

The winner of the second race (August 6) was Antonio Felix Da Costa, chased over the line by Sébastien Buemi (Nissan e.dams) and Lucas de Grassi (Audi Sport Abt Schaeffler).

The timetable for the second pair of races (on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9) will be identical to the first, with free practice in the morning, followed by qualifying in the afternoon and the e-prix themselves starting at 7:03pm local time. The circuit will be the same, too, although this time it will be run anticlockwise.

 

MICHELIN Pilot Sport for Formula E: the first connected tyre in motor sport

For the first time this season, Michelin has introduced a connected tyre in Formula E, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport equipped with the Michelin Track Connect system. This innovation is in line with the Group's development strategy, which already markets a Michelin Track Connect solution for Track Days enthusiasts. Michelin's goal is to extend the benefits of digital technologies applied to tyres to mass production vehicles, in order to provide the car and its driver with useful information, particularly in terms of safety and energy efficiency.
Michelin Track Connect for Formula E allows tyre pressures to be monitored automatically and reliably – whether hot or cold. This new solution addresses a demand expressed by motorsport’s governing body, the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), which has incorporated its use into Formula E’s regulations. It also meets a requirement of the teams and the championship’s promoter.

Michelin Track Connect for Formula E uses a Michelin-designed and developed sensor embedded in a specific casing inside the MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres which feature in the series. The data it collects is transmitted in encrypted form to the FIA and Michelin, who are the only recipients. Not only does this make sure that the information remains confidential, but it also allows the FIA to check minimum tyre pressures are adhered to. In addition to saving time, it is additional reassurance for the teams and helps to streamline the running of race days.

Michelin will remain supplier of Formula E until 2022

July 29 2020
Imprimer

MICHELIN Track Connect broaden to all enthusiasts

After 2 years of immersive testing, Michelin is now upgrading its connected tire solution MICHELIN Track Connect to allow it to be used more widely.

July 17 2020
Imprimer

The app, which is the brain of the system, is now available in 3 modes. Leisure mode (1) is accessible to all and can be used regardless of its tires. Expert mode is intended for owners of sportscars participating in track- days and wishing to optimize their performance and their driving pleasure. Motorsport mode is intended for rally drivers (soon for circuit racers). This solution is present as original equipment on the latest Renault Clio Rally. These two Expert and Motorsport modes require the use of a MICHELIN Track Connect kit and need to be combined with the use of MICHELIN connected tires.

 

Faithful to its DNA, the Group pursues its ambition of a more sustainable connected mobility accessible to as many people as possible, by offering enhanced driving experiences, on tracks or during rally competitions, with or without connected tires, thanks to an extension of its MICHELIN Track Connect solution. Michelin was a pioneer in connected tires when launching its MICHELIN Track Connect solution for the first time in March 2018. Acting like a virtual tire engineer, the MICHELIN Track Connect connected tire solution constantly analyzes the evolution of tire pressure and provide the driver with advice and recommendations on tire management. Composed of MICHELIN tires in which sensors were installed, a connection box and an app for smartphones providing information and advice, the MICHELIN Track Connect solution was mainly intended for “Track Days” drivers, owners of specific sports cars driving on track.

One application, three modes of use

Expert 3

A Leisure mode, 100% free, usable whatever its tires and open to all enthusiasts

 

Usable whatever the tires, the Leisure mode makes its debut in the latest generation of the MICHELIN Track Connect application. In this mode it is possible to:

  • record lap times and speeds, as well as the evolution of tire inflation pressures between the start and finish measured manually;
  • analyze in detail its runs thanks to a "Replay" mode;
  • share its results with a community of enthusiasts, as well as on social medias;
  • compare their performance to that of other drivers;
  • invite some other drivers to participate in new challenges.

Pushing its limits in Expert mode with MICHELIN connected tires

 

With the purchase of MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect tires (Connect ready (2)) as well as the MICHELIN Track Connect kit consisting in particular of 4 sensors and the central connection box, sports car owners shift into higher gear for increased driving pleasure.

In addition to the functions of Leisure mode, the MICHELIN Track Connect Expert mode allows you to:

  • monitor evolution of tire pressures and temperatures in real time ;
  • benefit from recommendations to improve lap times, dedicated to the vehicle, the track and the weather conditions.

 

Through this advice on pressures and temperatures provided by the app, the MICHELIN Track Connect solution in Expert mode allows you to optimize the handling of its car, for more driving pleasure and better lap times. Tire wear and consistency of performance on track are also improved, with for example a gain of 7.40 seconds (3) after series of 15 consecutive laps.

 

Even more performance in racing, safely, thanks to Motorsport mode

 

Michelin has always used competition as a development laboratory. In November 2019 during the FIA ​​Formula E Championship, Michelin launched the first connected competition tires, fitted with integrated sensors: the MICHELIN Pilot Sport with MICHELIN Track Connect.

Today, amateur and professional rally drivers also have access to a connected tire solution, thanks to the MICHELIN Track Connect in Motorsport mode, in combination with the connection kit and the purchase of MICHELIN Connect ready competition tires.

 

The benefits of the new Motorsport mode are:

  • optimization of race performance by preparing the tires with the correct pressure before the start. The app provides personalized advice according to the car model, use, type of tires fitted and driving conditions ;
  • continuous information on tire pressure on the smartphone screen, thereby limiting manual gestures before each special stage start ;
  • exploitation of the full potential of the tires, by analyzing the data recorded during a run and by proposing adjusted pressures for the next one ;
  • increased safety during competitions thanks to the automatic slow puncture warning.

 

The use of this innovation has just been validated by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) for all national rally championships.

 

 

Co-designed with users

Tested for more than 2 years on a multitude of circuits and during local and national rallies, by amateur drivers as well as by professionals, MICHELIN Track Connect is evolving today thanks to this field experience. All the features introduced in the new version of MICHELIN Track Connect thus are perfect answers to the needs expressed directly by users.

More countries, more eligible vehicles

Whereas the MICHELIN Track Connect kit is sold in 18(4) countries in Expert mode, the app is already available in Leisure mode in 26 countries (4), spread over 4 continents, a number which will increase quickly. The app also include more than 300 circuits recorded.

In addition, for users wishing to switch to Expert mode by fitting Connect ready tires, the new MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2 Connect is available in a range of 47 sizes which are all Connect ready and therefore compatible. This now represents more than 270 vehicles in Expert mode and more than 6,000 vehicles present in the application in Leisure mode.

MICHELIN Track Connect: original equipment on the new Renault Clio Rally

Renault Sport Racing and Michelin have joined forces on the new Clio Rally for safer and more efficient connected mobility. The latest Renault Sport Racing car is delivered from the factory with the MICHELIN Track Connect kit in Motorsport mode, consisting of a connection box directly installed in the car, and 4 sensors to be inserted into the tires. Crews then only have to provide with connect ready MICHELIN rally tires and download the app on their smartphones to take full advantage of the connected tires solution.

(1)     Leisure mode gives access to the smartphone app only and to functions that do not require connected tires.

 

(2)     Connect Ready : the tire has been designed with a specific container, the user has just to insert the sensors of the Michelin Track Connect solution to make the tire connected

 

(3)     Internal study certified by a bailiff, Porsche 991 (991) GT3 RS equipped with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 CONNECT on 265 / 35ZR20 and 325 / 30ZR21 with MICHELIN Track Connect carried out at the Andalucia Spain circuit (11/2019) after 15 laps, vs previous generation MICHELIN Pilot Sport CUP2. Actual running conditions may vary

 

(4)   Kit available in Expert mode in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, United States (situation on the 07/17/2020)

More information on

Michelin.co.uk

MotoE™ helping Michelin to shape the future of electric mobility

Michelin believes that racing and sustainable mobility are inextricably linked. The Group effectively sees motorsport as an exacting, high-tech lab for its work on new technologies and is accordingly involved in a variety of disciplines that dovetail with its Everything Sustainable plan, thereby playing a part in shaping the future of mobility.

July 16 2020
Imprimer
  • MotoE dovetails perfectly with the Michelin Group’s strategy
  • The use of sustainable materials sees Michelin innovate and break new ground in MotoE
  • Michelin and Enviro: new, regenerated materials
  • A new range of Michelin MotoE tyres
The technologies Michelin develops in motorsport contribute to taking sustainable mobility and respect for the environment forward, and this a prerequisite with regard to our strategy regarding our sports and sponsorship programmes. Motorsport provides us with an opportunity to test new technologies in extremely exacting conditions and, by analysing the feedback it generates, Michelin is able to distinguish avenues of work for its research and development department. It is in this way that motorsport serves as an incubator where new ideas can mature to become innovations that are ultimately of benefit to all our customers.
Matthieu Bonardel, Michelin Motorsport Director

An eloquent illustration of this approach is Michelin’s involvement in MotoE which fits particularly well with the company’s strategic vision. From the outset, this all-electric motorcycle racing series, which is about to embark on its second season at Jerez, Spain, succeeded in combining exciting action with high technological value.

The motorcycle it features was designed by Energica Ego Corsa and the bespoke tyres Michelin has developed for it address the demands made by its specific technical characteristics. Indeed, the MotoE bike is heavier than its MotoGP counterparts, while its torque curve is typical of electric vehicles, with maximum power available instantly. As a result, it has enabled Michelin to make real progress in terms of both its understanding of tyre constructions and the properties of the materials it employs.

In addition to MotoE’s technological relevance, the series has attracted a field of experienced and talented riders, which means fans are treated to a competitive, fiercely-contested championship. Organised by Dorna Sports as part of its motorcycle grand prix package, MotoE has lost no time in building up an enthusiastic, receptive following.

MotoGP’s audience sees MotoE as an exciting, innovative series. The quality of the show it delivers illustrates how the notions of performance and ecology can go hand-in-hand thanks to innovation.
Matthieu Bonardel, Michelin Motorsport Director
DOMINIQUE AEGERTER SUI INTACT GP MotoE GP Spain 2020 (Circuit Jerez) 17-17.7.2020 photo: MICHELIN
DOMINIQUE AEGERTER SUI INTACT GP MotoE GP Spain 2020 (Circuit Jerez) 17-17.7.2020 photo: MICHELIN

As both a pertinent high-tech lab and an effective sounding board, MotoE has a bright future ahead of it and Michelin is further contributing to its growth this season with the introduction of a new range of even more innovative tyres.

Sustainable materials see Michelin innovate and break new ground in MotoE

Michelin’s latest innovative work in MotoE marks an even more sustainable step forward with the introduction of new tyres that incorporate natural materials, regenerated materials and/or biomaterials.

By gradually increasing the proportion of regenerated materials and biomaterials used in the production of its MotoE tyres, Michelin sees the series as a high-tech lab that is beneficial to road-tyre development. The Michelin Group is committed to an Everything Sustainable plan which is geared to providing its customers with products that are increasingly efficient, ecological and sustainable.

Michelin’s work on regenerated materials and biomaterials in the competitive arena of MotoE will feed the development of new-generation road tyres and, by doing so, ensure a positive return on its investment in motorsport. At the same time, the series stands out as an effective communication platform for showcasing the benefits of the Group’s technological breakthroughs, not only to its manufacturer partners but also to the wider public.

Michelin’s involvement in MotoE fits with our Everything Sustainable plan. This all-electric bike racing championship achieved a great deal in the course of its inaugural season and Michelin is delighted to be playing its part again as the process continues this year. After introducing specific tyres in 2019, we have now taken our range forward with the incorporation of regenerated materials and biomaterials. This evolution marks a fundamental step as we continue to use motorsport as a high-tech lab for our work on sustainable mobility. We are delighted to be contributing to MotoE’s growth through our hand-in-hand efforts in conjunction with Dorna Sport and all the parties involved.
Matthieu Bonardel, Michelin Motorsport Director

Michelin and Enviro: new, regenerated materials

Every year, around one billion tyres reach the end of their working life, so there is much at stake for the tyre industry and consumers alike when it comes to recycling.

Michelin’s partnership with Enviro – a Swedish start-up founded in 2011 which employs a staff of 20 – is founded on an innovative recycling technology that enables new, high-quality raw materials to be made from scrap tyres. This low-energy-consumption process uses pyrolysis* to modify the chemical composition and physical state of the original materials.

The result is a variety of high-quality products, including regenerated carbon black, pyrolysis oil, steel and gas that can all subsequently be employed for production purposes by companies in the manufacturing sector.

Michelin and Enviro recently signed a partnership agreement founded on using the two companies’ complementary expertise to foster the emergence of new materials. And MotoE stands out as the perfect platform to endorse the resulting technologies and demonstrate how sustainable materials are perfectly compatible with the exacting levels of safety and performance demanded by a topflight racing series.

 

(*) Pyrolysis involves the chemical decomposition of organic matter by subjecting it to very high temperatures in order to extract new products that weren’t contained in its original form.

Michelin’s new MotoE tyres

Michelin launches its new range of tyres for MotoE at Jerez in Spain. It consists of tyres with a symmetrical design, available in soft for the rear and medium for the front, as well as soft rain tyres for the front and extra-soft for the rear. All the tyres are manufactured using bio-sourced and regenerated materials.

The new range of tyres increases the level of performance and therefore accompanies the riders during what promises to be a highly competitive season. The consistency and versatility of Michelin's tyres are an asset that will enable all teams and drivers to be competitive.

In more detail, the structure of the rear tyres has evolved considerably, while the use of durable materials in the rubber compounds has enabled the balances established with the former range to be pushed even further.

At each event, Michelin will provide the teams with a single type of front and rear slick tyre for the entire weekend. The allocation that each rider will have at their disposal consists of four slicks for the front and five for the rear. In the event of rain, the rider will be able to count on three front and four rear tyres.

The superior performance, consistency and versatility of these new tyres are poised to make an active contribution to what promises to be a fiercely-contested championship. The construction of the rears has evolved significantly, while the use of sustainable materials for the compounds delivers an even more competitive performance balance compared with season one.

In the course of the development of our latest MotoE tyres, Michelin broke new R&D ground which, thanks to sustainable materials, has produced a significant improvement in terms not only of their performance but also their respect for the environment. With regard to our Everything Sustainable bid, it marks a fundamental step forward that is beneficial to both the Group as a whole and all our customers. Michelin is delighted to be making an active contribution to the success of MotoE which is an adventure where passion, exciting action and innovation can coexist.
Matthieu Bonardel, Michelin Motorsport Director

Michelin set to return to the FIM Endurance World Championship

Michelin is pleased to announce that it will be returning to the FIM Endurance World Championship (FIM EWC) when racing resumes after the interruption forced by the Covid-19 pandemic.

July 10 2020
Imprimer

Its first outing will consequently be the 24 Heures Moto at Le Mans, France, at the end of August. Michelin plans to use its involvement in the FIM EWC to reaffirm its role as a leading player in motorcycle endurance racing which permits open competition between tyre brands. Michelin will notably work with the reigning champions in the championship’s two categories, namely Webike SRC Kawasaki France Trickstar (EWC champions) and Moto Ain (Superstock).

Michelin will be able to count on its considerable experience of the FIM Endurance World Championship in which the French tyre firm has previously run its own team (Michelin Power Research Team), while in 2014 it helped GMT94 to secure the world title.

Michelin’s decision to return to the FIM EWC is based on the growth the championship has enjoyed in recent years, driven by the active work of Eurosport Events and the FIM (Fédération Internationale de la Moto). A further decisive factor was the cap on the number of tyres that can be run at each race. This change to the FIM’s regulations has provided the series with a new role and made it an even more valuable high-tech lab in Michelin’s eyes.

Michelin will remain supplier of Formula E until 2022

Founding partner of the FIA Formula E Championship since its first season in 2014/2015, Michelin is proud to have actively participated in the success of this new discipline for 100% electric single-seaters. Michelin will remain the exclusive supplier of tires to Formula E until the end of the 2021/2022 season. In line with the decision of the FIA, a new supplier will take over after this period.

July 1 2020
Imprimer

Major technological innovations since 2014

During the first six seasons, Michelin used Formula E as a formidable innovation laboratory, developing three generations of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport tire for this discipline.  Recognized for its longevity and versatility, the MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV tire has shown itself to be revolutionary not only for its performance qualities but also for the significant reduction in the number of tires necessary for the smooth running of races.  At the start of the 2016/2017 season the improved MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV2 was introduced, and in this advanced version, the tire offered a significant improvement in its energy efficiency. The third, and current generation of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport for Formula E saves more than 9kg of raw materials per set of tires compared to the original model and Michelin has supplied all teams for the past two seasons with this lightweight tire. And all this has been possible while keeping grip performance, duration of use and energy efficiency intact - many of the technological advances that Michelin is already incorporating into its production road tires.

In fact, the use for the first time in competition of 18-inch diameter tires, closer to that of production tires, has facilitated the technological transfer of the innovations to Michelin tires for the road.  An example soon followed by other series, such as Formula 1.

 

For Michelin, sporting competition and sustainable mobility are inseparable

Michelin pursues its strategic vision of "all sustainable" through motorsport competition.  As such, the Group is developing numerous innovations in the framework of other ambitious programs geared towards the mobility of the future, such as "MissionH24", a project aiming to introduce hydrogen in Endurance Racing, and MotoE, a 100% electric motorcycle championship organized as part of MotoGP.

“Michelin is proud to have been a pioneer as a founding partner of the FIA   Formula E Championship," said Matthieu Bonardel, director of Michelin Motorsport. "We have contributed greatly to the success of the discipline, which today relies on the commitment of ten car manufacturers.  We will remain fully committed to Formula E until 2022. While at the same time, Michelin will continue to develop its other partnerships to demonstrate that sporting competition and sustainable mobility are inseparable.”

 

Recevez nos informations par email

Tapez votre recherche et appuyez sur entrer