First qualifying session tonight at LeMans
The variable weather has brought on a flurry of activity in the Michelin paddock especially as rain has been predicted for the two qualifying sessions scheduled between 19H00 -21H00, and then 22H – midnight.
In order to satisfy the demand, whether it is for dry condition tires, drying, or wet, and in conjunction with the fluctuations in temperature, Michelin has prepared various tire configurations on rims ready for any condition on the circuit.
MICHELIN MARKS ITS' QUALIFYING TYRES
This year for the first time ever, Teams LMP1 will run qualifying tires marked with a silver band on one half of the circumference.
"Prior to this it was impossible to tell the difference between qualifying tires and normal ones. In order to bring more information to race fans and the media, we have marked our tires with a recognizable band. It will now be easier to tell which cars on the circuit are on a qualifying lap» explained Matthieu Bonardel, Michelin 4 Wheels Competition Director.
8000 tires … 80 types of tires
Remember that Michelin has brought 8000 tires to Le Mans offering a choice between 4 types of dry tires, 2 intermediate, and one for the wet. In all there are 80 tire types available to help satisfy the four categories represented here. The choice is dependent on the weather conditions, and in function with the variations in temperatures between the day and night.