Dunlop is broadly positioned at this year's 24-hour race in Le Mans: 27 of the 60 vehicles registered for the endurance race will be on Dunlop. The racing vehicles come from all four racing classes. There are three vehicles in LMP1, 2 racing cars on Dunlop tires in LMP20, with two more each in the LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am classes. "We're on site with new tire specifications for all classes," said Mike McGregor, Dunlop Test Manager. “That was a great challenge for our developers and production. We also tested very intensively to optimize the combination of chassis and tires. The development programs for the LMP1 and GTE Pro are progressing well and are an important step for us in returning to these classes. "
More than 6.000 Dunlop tires at Le Mans 24 Hours
In order to provide perfect on-site support for participants, Dunlop traveled to Le Mans with a total of ten trucks and 6.000 tires. More than 80 engineers, fitters and technical service personnel ensure that everything runs smoothly and is optimally prepared. The particular challenge at Le Mans is the different regulations of the individual classes and thus requirements for the different tire specifications. In the LMP1, Dunlop has developed new tires for the teams and can continue to do so later in the year. While the number of tires for each race is limited, there may be changes in tire specifications for subsequent races. The tires for the LMP2 are completely new. They were developed on the basis of the strong performance of the past year and have been further optimized with regard to a wide working window and stable performance. While in the LMP1 and GTE-Pro class the tire specifications can be further developed during the season, in the LMP2 the tire specifications set for the race in Silverstone apply to all race tracks for the entire season in the FIA WEC, to which the 24th Hour race of Le Mans counts.
Aston Martin with Dunlop in the GTE Pro and GTE Am
As a technical partner, Dunlop has been accompanying Aston Martin Racing's endurance racing activities since the beginning of the year. At Le Mans, two Aston Martin Vantages will enter the GTE-Pro class and two GTE-Am class on Dunlop. Aston Martin and Dunlop have completed an extensive tire simulation and test program for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Important parameters were the possible large temperature differences in Le Mans of five to 25 degrees, the stable performance of the tires and wet tests at low and high temperatures.
Dunlop comeback in the top category LMP1
For the first time since 2012, Dunlop is back in the LMP1 class this year. In addition to the two R-One - AER from Rebellion Racing, ByKolles also relies on Dunlop for the CLM P1 / 01 - AER. The number 12 R-One is driven by Nicolas Prost, Nick Heidfeld and Nelson Piquet junior, while Mathéo Tuscher, Alexandre Imperatori and Dominik Kraihamer sit in the sister vehicle with the number 13. Simon Trummer, Oliver Webb and Pierre Kaffer sit behind the wheel of the number 1 CLM P01 / 4.
Large number of participants in LMP2 mainly on Dunlop
At this year's endurance classic in Le Mans, the LMP2 has had more vehicles than ever since it was launched in 2004. Of the 14 teams with 23 racing cars, 20 teams with 2016 vehicles trust Dunlop. 2017 marks the last year before a far-reaching change in the rules regarding chassis and engines will take effect from XNUMX. In the race next weekend, seven different chassis will compete with three different engine suppliers. Over the past few years, Dunlop has been the tire winner of the class winner at Le Mans five times in a row.