The Head of Michelin Auto competition gives his predictions on the evolution of tyres this season. He said the new prototypes will be "less rapid in a straight line, but better in severe cornering."

What are the main areas of work for Michelin in endurance next season?

Serge Grisin: "First, to continue our direction of increasing the life of the tyres in all categories. The rule change requires a review of all our ranges. But a regulation that is consistent with the reduction of engine size, a trend perfectly modeled on passenger cars, is exactly the philosophy of Michelin's competition. The race serves as tech lab along the lines of sustainable development. This requires, as well as other things, increasing the lifespan of tyres, meaning fewer tyres to travel the same distance."

The significant decrease in motor torque Will it increase the lifespan of tyres?
"In fact, the impact of the new LMP regulations is much broader. It's the whole car that will work differently, so the tyre too. There will be certainly less power and torque to pass, but probably greater aerodynamic efficiency. Smaller engines require less cooling, resulting in less aerodynamic drag. It is expected to have slower cars in a straight line but more severe cornering. This puts completely flat design of the tyre."

The same width of front and rear tyres on the Audi R18 requires you does a specific job?
Evolution of regulations does not automatically mean evolving tyres. With or without change in dimensions.

How the energy recovery systems (on the front or rear) impact they tyre development?
The first impact is of course the weight. If it is more centered on the front, the front tyre design must be adapted accordingly. But it is the overall operation of the vehicle that can be changed. The tyre must adapt to always offer the best performance with the best balance, that as long as possible, and whatever the conditions.

What would the impact on tyres for a 100% electric-powered prototype?

Today, the 'Achilles heel' of electric vehicles is the weight ... It's the same in racing. So we need tyres that bear more load. We must therefore expect torque during the first few seconds of acceleration, so probably an impact on the operation of the tyre on exit of corners. We will need a stable rear because the torque will be high at that time. The compromise id lateral / longitudinal but also adhesion / wear will be a key element.

The number of tyres used for the 24 Heures du Mans is reduced each year. Is it reasonably possible to cover the event without changing?
We can say that this is the Michelin Star, the ultimate goal. Already today, there is the equivalent of a season of F1 Grand Prix racing with eleven sets of tyres... It is well within the target endurance, but above all to imagine that beyond the life of the tyre, it is the spectrum of use of the tyre that will increase incredibly. Not to mention the weather, changes in temperatures over a 24-hour race are such that you need a tyre that has a window of operation enabling it to provide maximum grip make it from 10 to 45° C on track! A real tour de force, but if it allows each driver to have Michelin tyres which offers maximum security, maximum grip whatever the conditions, and travelling more miles ... So yes it is a reasonable target . But not in the short term course ...

Julien Hergault

Photo: Paul Ricard HTTT, 8 HOURS OF CASTELLET, April 11, 2010. The new regulations forced Serge Grisin  and his team to completely review the design of the tyre.