Michelin extends partnership with WEC
Michelin will remain the exclusive tyre supplier for the top Hypercar class in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) until at least 2029, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) press office announced.
Michelin has been participating in such competitions for a very long time and successfully, and as far back as 1923, the company's tyres were installed on the Chenard & Walcker car, which was the best in the first "24 Hours of Le Mans" race, and since 1998, all winners of the Sarthe competitions have been using tyres of the French brand.
In 2025, at least eight major manufacturers - Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota - will compete in the Hypercar class on Michelin tyres, and the new season starts on February 18 in Qatar.
"We are delighted that Michelin will remain the exclusive tyre supplier for the Hypercar category," said Frederic Lequien, CEO of WEC. "Such long-term agreements are crucial in creating a foundation for future growth, and also confirm that our participants are confident in the quality of Michelin tyres. Their efficiency, stability of characteristics and endurance have played a key role during the intense racing we have enjoyed in recent years, and, importantly, the durability of the tyres means that fewer of them are needed. Michelin's commitment to sustainable development principles and the use of environmentally friendly materials perfectly aligns with our agenda, and this is another reason why we are proud to continue working with them for at least five more seasons."
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), added that "Michelin is not only a reliable partner but also a benchmark in innovation". "The quality of Michelin tyres and their constant work in the field of sustainable development are just two reasons why we are pleased to extend our partnership with them," he said.
Michelin has been the technical partner of WEC since the series was founded in 2012, and according to Matthieu Bonardel, Director of Michelin's motorsport division, endurance racing perfectly matches the manufacturer's philosophy, as it focuses on making tyres last as long as possible, and the same goal is set for the developers of civilian tyres.
"Michelin has significantly reduced the number of tyres used in racing while providing an increasingly high level of grip," he noted. "By extending our partnership with the FIA WEC, we intend to continue introducing new eco-innovations, and the next-generation Michelin Pilot Sport tyres will meet very ambitious specifications and feature a significantly increased proportion of renewable and recycled materials."
Photo: FIA.