Michelin has announced it is to supply the FIA Formula E Championship until the end of the 2018/9 season. Following a successful tender process, Michelin will be the championship’s sole supplier of tires and associated services.
Michelin has served as a Technical Partner to Formula E since winning the championship’s initial selection process in 2013 – thanks to its expertise in the design and manufacture of energy-efficient, high-performance tires.
“We are delighted to have been selected by the FIA once again and to be able to continue our involvement in this competition which Michelin helped to found,” says Pascal Couasnon, director of Michelin Motorsport. “Formula E is a superb laboratory to foster innovation in the field of durable mobility in cities and built-up areas and Michelin is actively exploiting this golden opportunity.”
The Michelin Pilot Sport EV differs from conventional racing tires in that it is the first 18-inch single-seater competition tire (above). Michelin states that this is favourable in terms of performance and aesthetics, whilst permitting the carry-over of new technologies to Michelin road tires. At the same time, the tire’s design ensures that it offers competitive grip levels in both wet and dry conditions, and has a significant life-span, with drivers only need a single set to cover race-day practice and the race itself.
“The FIA stipulated this ability to perform just as well on a wet surface as a dry one in the tender brief,” notes Serge Grisin, manager of Michelin’s Formula E programme. “What started out as an innovative feature of the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tire has gone on to become a prerequisite demanded by the sport’s ruling body. This is a further sign of Michelin’s pioneering spirit.”
