The Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup arrives in 2016

The GT3 will be in the spotlight in 2016, through the creation of the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup. This new series will be contested in support of five of the six rounds of theELMS 2016, Imola, Red Bull Ring, Le Castellet, Spa and Estoril with an additional sleeve also provided at the opening of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (June 18-19).

The tests will last two hours (an agreement having been made with the GT Tour which will organize one-hour sprint events, to combine Sprint and Endurance, without clash of dates) and crews of two pilots must include a Bronze-classified pilot. Except at Le Mans, the program will consist of two free practice sessions of one hour each, a 30-minute qualifying practice session and a two-hour race.

“This new series fits logically into the plan adopted by the ACO for the development of the endurance sector. As for the WEC on a global scale or the ELMS on a European level, or the Asian Le Mans Series in Asia, the ACO thus completes its sporting range and strengthens its position as promoter of Endurance championships and events, explains Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO.

For the best GT3 teams and drivers, it will be a real gateway to access the GTE sphere and therefore to have the possibility of joining the big family of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The ACO is also delighted with the very strong involvement of Michelin in this new series, thus further strengthening the links between the world-renowned French manufacturer and Le Mans. »

Michelin will be the title and privileged partner of the series. “Michelin is very enthusiastic to be able to participate in this new challenge with the added bonus of the possibility of combining an endurance program and a sprint season with the GT Tour. To the drivers of the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup, we will provide tires which, thanks to their qualities, will contribute to the pleasure and performance in the race. » comments Pascal Couasnon, Director of Michelin Motorsport.

Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup 2016 Calendar:

Imola, Italy (May 13-15)
24 Hours of Le Mans, France (June 18-19)
Red Bull Ring, Austria (July 15-17)
Paul-Ricard, France (August 26-28)
Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (September 23-25)
Estoril, Portugal (October 21-23)