Michelin challenges the most “energetic” route of the season

For the first time, Lone Star Le Mans takes place in the summer period. Until now, the American event took place around September 15-20, except in 2020, when the race took place in February. Temperatures will therefore be much higher in the air, as on the asphalt, this weekend, but thunderstorms could upset these forecasts. The Circuit of the Americas totals 5,513 kilometers, has 20 turns, including 9 on the right and 11 on the left. Its profile and significant elevation changes, as well as the characteristics of its surface featuring several types of asphalt with variable grain sizes, make this circuit the most " énergétique » of the season for tires.

« The Circuit of the Americas is very demanding for tires in general, and the risk of encountering high temperatures or thunderstorms this year makes the challenge even more difficult, underlines Pierre Alves, program manager Endurance from Michelin. The Lone Star Le Mans race is a new challenge that we are ready to take on with our Medium (yellow sidewall) and Hard (red sidewall) range. Since our tests last month, the track has been partially resurfaced to eliminate the many bumps. The new asphalt will most certainly increase the level of grip and we will face a much faster track, which will generate even greater thermal stress on the tires. We consider this circuit to be the most energetic on our tires of the FIA ​​season-WEC 2024 with a 1st sector that begins with a big braking at turn 1 which is distinguished by a climb of more than 10% over 200 meters, then, a series of 9 very fast turns, followed by a very long straight ending with a big braking. The last sector is relatively slow with a triple right turn which will give pride of place to the intrinsic mechanical grip of the tires. The 3 free practice sessions will be essential to evaluate the good operating windows and the endurance of our Medium and Hard range in order to determine the strategy in the race. »

Track action will begin on Friday at the Circuit of the Americas at 19:40pm (French time) on Friday, August 30 with a first Free Practice session, to continue in the afternoon with a second session (00:10am in France). On Saturday, August 31, after a third Free Practice session that will take place from 18:00pm (in France), the Hypercar class cars will compete in qualifying from 22:40pm, for a Hyperpole session starting at 23:00pm. The start of the 6-hour race is scheduled for Sunday, September 1 at 20:00pm (in France, 13:00pm in Austin).

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