As the only point of contact between the vehicle and the track, tyres play a vital role in safety and performance. For hundreds of kilometres, it has to perform multiple functions simultaneously; cornering, supporting the weight of the car, transmitting engine torque and braking forces, and absorbing variations in track surface. They must be capable of supporting speeds of 330 km/h (205 mph), and tough enough to take three or four fuel stints, over 500 km at over 215 km/h average speed, and still offer the driver a consistent performance and maximum safety.

Endurance racing teams are supplied with tyres from many manufacturers including two of the most famous, Michelin and Dunlop, which equip three-quarters of the Le Mans grid between them. Endurance racing has written some of the greatest pages in the history of world motor sport. Stories of drivers and builders, stories of men and industrialists have led to major technological innovations in the automotive world. Brands such as Audi, Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin or Chevrolet are engaged in endurance racing to develop new techniques. The excitement of La Sarthe, was recreated in the United States with the advent of the ALMS, in Europe with the European Le Mans Series and more recently in Asia with the Asian Le Mans Series.

To help understand what tyres must endure at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, here are some numbers:

First Mulsanne chicane: top speed 331 km/h (206 mph), longitudinal braking forces: 2.5 g

At Indianapolis corner: top speed 335 km/h (208 mph) / g, lateral force: 3 g

Porsche curves: lateral force: 2.8 g sustained

Pit exit: top speed 280 km/h (174 mph)

Under these conditions, drivers, cars and tyres are all put to the test and the racing tyre especially so in an endurance event.

In this video clip, you can see the work done by the Michelin tyres fitted to the Lola of Dyson Racing team, racing in the ALMS.

For more clips go to : www.lemans-tv.com

Thierry Arman / ACO