WEC News: Michelin extends Hypercar commitment until at least 2029

The world’s largest tire manufacturer, Michelin has supplied its pioneering products to FIA WEC’s top-flight since the world championship’s inception in 2012 – equipping every car in the category for the past seven seasons.

The brand’s expertise and record of success in endurance racing are nothing new. More than a century ago – back in 1923 – a Chenard & Walcker car won the inaugural edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Michelin rubber, and since 1998, the Clermont Ferrand-based company has gone unbeaten at La Sarthe, demonstrating the qualities of its tires in what is widely considered to be one of the sport’s most challenging races.

Such longevity is testament to Michelin’s continuous quest to innovate and proven ability to meet its partners’ needs – however demanding they may be.

In 2025, no fewer than eight major carmakers – Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota – will run on the renowned French firm’s tires in FIA WEC’s fiercely-contested Hypercar division. The campaign will get underway with the Qatar 1812km on 28 February.

Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship, said:

“We are delighted to confirm the extension of Michelin’s partnership as exclusive tire-supplier to FIA WEC’s Hypercar category. Such long-term agreements are pivotal to laying the groundwork for growth, and also testament to the faith that all of our competing manufacturers have in the brand’s products.

“The caliber of Michelin’s tires speaks for itself. Their performance, consistency and durability have played a key role in the amazing battles and close racing we have enjoyed in the championship in recent years while simultaneously – and just as importantly – reducing quantities.

“Indeed, the company’s commitment to sustainability and its ever-increasing use of sustainable materials resonate strongly with FIA WEC’s future roadmap for the sport – another key reason why we are proud to remain partners for at least the next five seasons.”

Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said:

“Michelin is not only a loyal partner, but also a reference in the field of innovation. The quality of Michelin’s tires and its relentless sustainable development efforts are just two good reasons why we are delighted to extend our relationship. I’d like to thank this prestigious manufacturer for being with us, at the peak of endurance, at this incredible time for our discipline.”

Matthieu Bonardel, Director, Michelin Motorsport, said:

“Michelin is proud to extend its commitment to the FIA World Endurance Championship, having been a technical partner of the series since its foundation in 2012. Endurance racing aligns perfectly with our Group’s ‘all-sustainable’ vision and reflects the values of ‘long-lasting performance’ embodied by the Michelin tires we design every day.

“Over successive generations of cars, Michelin has considerably reduced the number of tires used in races while supporting ever-greater levels of performance. By renewing its partnership with FIA WEC, Michelin is committed to continuing its sustainable innovation efforts. The next generation of MICHELIN Pilot Sport tires will meet a particularly ambitious set of specifications, featuring a significant increase in the use of renewable and recycled materials.

“The technological relevance of the current regulations has attracted numerous manufacturers. Thus, FIA WEC provides a unique platform to strengthen our partnerships with the world’s leading automotive brands and to accelerate the transfer of our innovations to road-going vehicles and tires, while the strong growth in the number of fans allows us to showcase those innovations to an ever-growing audience.”