Michelin lays out development plan for next-gen Hypercar/GTP tire – RACER

Michelin Delays Release of Hypercar and GTP Tires

Michelin has developed a new roadmap for the development and rollout of its upcoming range of Hypercar and GTP tires. Originally scheduled to debut in 2025, the release has been postponed to the start of the 2026 season. The decision to delay was made in order to allow sufficient time for refining the new compounds and producing enough stock for off-season testing next year.

Reasons for the Delay

Michelin’s sportscar operations manager, Pierre Alves, explained that multiple factors contributed to the decision. These factors include supply chain issues and a reduction in planned testing time due to poor weather earlier in the year. One of the suppliers for a new material that Michelin wants to introduce was not ready to provide enough product for the World Endurance Championship (WEC). The supplier stated that the quantity required was too much. Michelin prioritizes sustainability and did not want to introduce a product that is not sustainable. Additionally, producing just two compounds for 2025 would significantly decrease tire performance. Michelin aims to provide tires that are safer in terms of warm-up and more consistent across different types of circuits and climates.

Sustainable Development Goals

This new range of tires aligns with Michelin’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Michelin aims to produce slick tires for the WEC and IMSA using more than 50 percent sustainable materials.

Testing and Development

Feedback from testing has been positive so far. The run at Circuit of The Americas during the summer produced impressive results, with the new product increasing tire endurance while maintaining similar performance levels to the current tires. However, development work on the new range is not yet complete. Michelin plans to conduct wet and slick development tests in Paul Ricard and Bahrain, respectively. They also plan to complete another loop in Qatar in 2025. The final decision on the tire specifications for 2026 will be made in May after the Spa race. Development loops in the USA for IMSA teams are scheduled for November, with additional testing planned at Sebring in March.

Production and Distribution

Once track testing is complete and the final specifications are approved, Michelin will begin production of the tires in late June. The first batch will be shipped to the United States in time for the end-of-year IMSA test in Daytona. Teams racing in the WEC will also receive their first batches for private testing as they prepare for the start of the 2026 season.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable and resource-efficient.
• SDG 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of sustainable materials used in the production of tires.
• Number of compounds produced for the WEC and IMSA championships.
• Performance levels of the new tires compared to the current range.
• Completion of development loops and testing at various locations.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: racer.com