Michelin is delaying the introduction of its new FIA WEC Hypercar and IMSA GTP class tyres – which were due to debut in 2025 – to the start of the 2026 season.
The French tyre maker has taken this decision following a tyre test at CoTA last week, which took place as part of a multi-day test at the Austin-based circuit for WEC teams ahead of Lone Star Le Mans.
According to Michelin, a number of reasons led to the delay, including the fact that its dry tyre test programme in Europe this year at the Autodromo do Algarve was severely disrupted by adverse weather.
A spokesperson also told DSC that Michelin feels there is “no need to move quickly to a new range” due to the capabilities of its current tyres and explained that the delay will allow its engineers to “fine tune” the new products.
“Michelin is currently developing its new range of Pilot Sport tyres for Endurance racing,” Michelin endurance racing programme manager Pierre Alves said in a statement supplied to DSC.
“The aim of this future range is to improve warm up, particularly on harder compounds, while improving consistency and durability. The new tyres will also contain more renewable and recycled materials. Initially scheduled for introduction next season, the new range will finally hit the track in 2026.
“In agreement with all its partners and the sporting authorities, Michelin has decided to take more time, as there have been fewer test opportunities this year than expected.
“The current Michelin Pilot Sport Endurance range is perfectly suited to the requirements of the FIA WEC and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship grids and has already been integrated into the BoP process. So, we’re going to continue with it in 2025.”
The debut of the new tyres is now expected to take place in January 2026 at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.
