Dunlop returns to the racetrack with power
This year Dunlop's motorsport commitment was primarily focused on the BMW M235i Cup. And even though there were some successes in the VLN, the move of the racing tire factory to Hanau ensured a “quiet” year. That will change in 2016. In 2016, DUNLOP will introduce a completely new range of racing tires. These tires were and are being developed specifically for the growing class of GTE vehicles. GTEs are primarily eligible to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and offer exciting motorsport action for spectators. In doing so, Dunlop built on the experience gained in the first year of the new ELMS regulations. While the choice of tire was previously free, these new regulations have required the use of a standard tire since the 2015 season.
The aim of developing the new Dunlop GTE tire was to continue to deliver performance that is equivalent to that of many different vehicles, as well as consistency and durability. At the same time the tire was improved but with a revised profile of the rear tires and new rubber compounds. This should give the driver more confidence in braking and provide more stability when changing direction at high speed.
In tests on various vehicle models, which are currently starting in the ELMS, the new tire family has already proven to be an advance. Teams that compete in the series with vehicles from the manufacturers BMW, Ferrari and Porsche have already tested the tires - and new ELMS newcomers like Beechdean will do so in late November in Bahrain.
New Intermediate extends the palette
In addition, Dunlop and ELMS have agreed to introduce an intermediate tire. This is the first time since the change of regulations to a one-manufacturer series. This innovation will help teams save money by eliminating the need to destroy wet tires on a half-wet track or overpower slicks on a wet track.
VLN success At the end of an intense motorsport season on the world's most demanding circuit, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the Walkenhorst Motorsport team powered by Dunlop took the title in the VLN Speed Trophy in the BMW Z4 GT3 - with two class wins. This year's triumph is yet another chapter in Dunlop's impressive series of successes in the GT category as a partner to various teams: 24 2010h 2013h and 2010 victory, victory in the American Le Mans series 2011 and 2012 and victory in the European Le Mans series XNUMX.
About Dunlop: After breaking speed records for the first time at Dunlop 1924 Le Mans, Dunlop 24 is now the most successful tire manufacturer in the history of the race - with 34 victories in the classic Sarthe. 2013 placed the LMP2 winners in Le Mans as well as in the Endurance World Championship on Dunlop tires, and also in the 24h race at the Nürburgring, the winner crossed the finish line on Dunlop tires. 2014 provided the LMP2 teams that competed on Dunlop for a purely yellow-black podium at Le Mans and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). Here, Dunlop teams have won 11 13 races in the past three years.