Michelin Signs 3-Year A1GP Tyre Contract

Michelin is the new exclusive tyre partner to A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, starting with the 2008/09 season. The French manufacturer has signed a three-year contract and replaces Cooper Tire, which had produced A1GP’s control tyres since the series’ inception in 2005.

In a statement announcing the news, A1GP said Michelin tyre technicians had been working hard on the new project. A1GP’s new “Powered by Ferrari” car has reportedly clocked up over 4,000 kilometres on tracks in Italy and Spain on Michelin tyres since its first run in Fiorano in late May.

The tyre design reportedly stems from Formula One technologies seeking to offer both optimal performance and safety to the driver. Full rubber serration tests were performed on various tracks including Fiorano, Imola, Jerez and Mugello resulting in the best possible compromise between grip, endurance and wear.

“Michelin has a vast amount of experience in motorsport and will enhance the competitive nature of our series. We have run 29 sets of slick tyres and three sets of wets so far. There are small differences between the spec of the slicks, about 50 per cent are ‘control’ spec so 15 or so ‘test’ sets,” said A1GP general manager, technical and operations, John Wickham.

Michelin Group Motorsport Director, Frédéric Henry-Biabaud added: “Michelin is extremely honoured to be associated with the fast-growing A1GP series and is looking forward to playing a part in the championship’s expansion. The championship organiser has decided to produce a new Powered by Ferrari single-seater and Michelin was active in this car’s development from the outset. This close collaboration underpins Michelin’s image as a truly dependable technical partner.”