The FIA WEC has extended the exclusive right to supply the Hypercar category in the World Championship with Michelin until at least 2029 with an extension to the French tyre giant’s partnership agreement.
Michelin has supplied tyres for the current top class since its inception in 2021 and supplied LMP1 exclusively for three seasons prior to that too. Michelin is unbeaten at the 2024 Hours of Le Mans overall since 1998.
2025 will see Aston Martin added to the FIA WECs roster of factory teams joining Alpine BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota.
Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship: “We are delighted to confirm the extension of Michelin’s partnership as exclusive tyre-supplier to FIA WEC’s Hypercar category. Such long-term agreements are pivotal to laying the groundwork for growth, and also testament to the faith that all of our competing manufacturers have in the brand’s products.
“The calibre of Michelin’s tyres speaks for itself. Their performance, consistency and durability have played a key role in the amazing battles and close racing we have enjoyed in the championship in recent years while simultaneously – and just as importantly – reducing quantities.
“Indeed, the company’s commitment to sustainability and its ever-increasing use of sustainable materials resonate strongly with FIA WEC’s future roadmap for the sport – another key reason why we are proud to remain partners for at least the next five seasons.”
Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Michelin is not only a loyal partner, but also a reference in the field of innovation. The quality of Michelin’s tyres and its relentless sustainable development efforts are just two good reasons why we are delighted to extend our relationship. I’d like to thank this prestigious manufacturer for being with us, at the peak of endurance, at this incredible time for our discipline.”
Matthieu Bonardel, Director, Michelin Motorsport: “Michelin is proud to extend its commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship, having been a technical partner of the series since its foundation in 2012. Endurance racing aligns perfectly with our Group’s ‘all-sustainable’ vision and reflects the values of ‘long-lasting performance’ embodied by the Michelin tyres we design every day.
“Over successive generations of cars, Michelin has considerably reduced the number of tyres used in races while supporting ever-greater levels of performance. By renewing its partnership with FIA WEC, Michelin is committed to continuing its sustainable innovation efforts. The next generation of MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres will meet a particularly ambitious set of specifications, featuring a significant increase in the use of renewable and recycled materials.
“The technological relevance of the current regulations has attracted numerous manufacturers. Thus, FIA WEC provides a unique platform to strengthen our partnerships with the world’s leading automotive brands and to accelerate the transfer of our innovations to road-going vehicles and tyres, while the strong growth in the number of fans allows us to showcase those innovations to an ever-growing audience.”
