Michelin updates rally range to match ERC regs

In accordance with the new regulations in the FIA European Rally Championship (FIA ERC), Michelin launched its latest range of asphalt rally tyres at the GEKO Ypres Rally between 27 and 29 June. The French tyre maker describes the new Michelin Pilot Sport R range as “streamlined” and “cost-effective” – music to the ears of ERC organisers, whose proposal to restrict tyre usage as of the Ypres Rally was agreed upon by the FIA on 24 May. Organiser Eurosport Events says these measures have been implemented to “reduce the cost of competing in the flagship competition.” This decision followed new tyre regulations introduced by the FIA on 1 May.

“The ERC tyre regulations were far too expensive,” explains François Ribeiro, motorsport development director at Eurosport Events. “We want the ERC’s open tyre competition to remain, but we had to do something to drastically cut costs for the teams. With six new tyres allowed after each service park, we had a situation where teams were running 36 to 42 tyres for 250 kilometres of stages, which was economic nonsense given the endurance capability of new tyres. We have consulted with the teams, rally organisers and the tyre manufacturers and proposed a tyre restriction plan which the FIA Rally Commission has rubberstamped.”

With the introduction of the Pilot Sport R, Michelin’s asphalt range has decreased from six to four tyres. Michelin says the tyres are designed to work within wider operating windows and the tread compound used in the Pilot Sport R is said to be “more versatile” than its predecessor. Each tyre features a new asymmetrical tread pattern that supports the new regulation’s stipulation that the same tread pattern must be used in both wet and dry conditions and that the sea-to-land ratio in tread patterns must increase from 17 to 23 per cent. 

The inner shoulder of the Pilot Sport R10 and R20 tyres are thus deliberately groove-free to maximise traction and braking on dry roads, while the more rounded outer shoulder offers optimal contact pressure to maximise cornering grip. Michelin says the tread pattern offers a gain of 13 per cent in terms of contact patch, which means 3.5 per cent more rubber in contact with the ground to guarantee the maximum possible grip. The new tyres are also lighter than their predecessors, with each one having shed seven per cent of its weight to now register 9.7 kilogrammes.

“Our new Michelin Pilot Sport R range is more streamlined than before, meaning drivers will now need to choose between just four tyres rather than six,” summarises Philippe Mussati, director of Michelin Motorsport’s Customer Competition department. “It is also more competitive, having been designed with a new construction, a new tread pattern and tougher and stronger, more competitive compounds that will avoid the necessity for frequent tyre changes. Its design stems from Michelin’s determination to work closely alongside its customers and to share their targets.

“Not only that, but this new range is more cost-effective – given that budget is very much at the forefront of teams’ concerns these days – and Michelin is committed to playing its part to make sure that ours is a responsible sport, which benefits the teams, organisers, governing body and above all the environment, with the end goal of generating better mobility in the future,” he adds.

When asked about a possible return to Formula One, Michelin often replies that it would only do so were the championship once again open to multiple tyre suppliers. And Mussati says that the scope for all tyre makers to participate in the ERC is a key reason why the championship is an important one for Michelin. “It is a series that is open to tyre competition with no fewer than five different manufacturers in the field; that constitutes a genuine technical and sporting challenge, which is just what we relish at Michelin, as direct confrontation with our rivals is something that is rooted in our brand’s genes.” He also opines that the ERC regulations allow Michelin “to innovate, to develop increasingly competitive new tyre solutions – and therefore to work with our partners in the pursuit of victory.”

According to the recently-introduced ERC regulations, from Ypres onwards a quota of 20 tyres (plus four for the shakedown) will be allocated to each team. The shakedown will now also act as a qualifying session.