Does it really rain in Bahrain? Yes, it does! Although Dunlop had planned to install tankers around the circuit to wet the track, rain was nonetheless expected on the first night – an ideal scenario given that the aim of the tests was to cover the entire spectrum of daytime and night-time track conditions that the teams are liable to encounter in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Five LM P2s, two LM GTEs and three privateer LM P1s took to the tarmac on the first day. Although Dunlop only features in LM P2 in WEC events, the tyre manufacturer returned to GT earlier this year after signing an exclusive three-year deal with the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) to supply the LM GTE and GTC classes.

A change in LM P2 regulations in 2017 will see the cars’ characteristics evolve towards those of today’s privateer LM P1s, which explains why the Rebellion Racing R-One and Team ByKolles CLM P1/01 prototypes were brought in for the tests. At present, all LM P1 factory teams and privateers are supplied by Michelin, but Dunlop could decide to move in as there is no mandatory tyre supplier in any of the WEC classes.

Incidentally, all LM P2 cars are fitted with Dunlops as all the teams in the paddock have opted for the tyres produced by the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Le Mans 24 Hours. In ELMS, where only the LM P2 class is open to competition, the grid is split between Michelin and Dunlop with the balance tipping towards the latter.

The teams still have a day’s testing ahead of them before they pack up for the close season. Sadly, Tim Gibson will not be returning with them. The team engineer, who underwent a heart transplant 15 years ago, passed away earlier this month, aged just 30.

Cécile Bonardel / ACO
Translated from French by David Goward

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2015, THE RACE. The Alpine A450B raced all season with Dunlop tyres.