Michelin extends with the WEC

Michelin extended its contract with the ACO to remain a manufacturer in WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans for the next three seasons. The Clermont-based manufacturer, which won the first edition of the Sarthe event in 1923 by equipping the Chenard & Walker of André Lagache and René Léonard, has to date 20 consecutive successes in the Sarthe.

“The partnership that unites us with Michelin is particularly valuable, since it is based on a common vision of motorsport., comments Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO. Tires are an essential parameter of competition, strategy and safety for our competitors. Thanks to the variety of categories in our discipline, which includes both prototypes and GTEs, the wealth of information provided by the competition is an asset for the French manufacturer. For the ACO, Michelin is a true technical partner and we look forward to meeting their professional requirements. »

“Michelin is delighted to continue its commitment at the highest level of theEndurance alongside the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the organization of the World Endurance Championship – FIA WEC, adds Pascal Couasnon, director of Michelin Motorsport. The 24 Hours of Le Mans remains the most demanding circuit event in the world and the FIA ​​WEC is currently in a phase of transformation that we wish to support. We believe in the relevance of Endurance as a vector of innovation. As a technical partner, Michelin will continue to contribute to the show with its tires as well as transfer technologies to the series, for the benefit of all motorists. »

“Michelin has long been a loyal partner of the WEC and has greatly contributed to the success of our competition, recalls Gérard Neveu, general director of Le Mans Endurance Management. Michelin is not only a technical supplier that offers our competitors – both in prototypes and in GTE – the consistency and performance sought by everyone in their quest for victories; it is also a major player in our paddock and in many other different ways. It would be difficult to imagine the WEC without Michelin, and we are therefore very pleased that the continuation of our partnership allows us to move forward together in this very promising new period for the WEC. »

Michelin is currently facing Dunlop in the WEC. The French manufacturer will equip IMSA cars from 2019 replacing Continental Tire.