Michelin Unveils New Pilot Sport Endurance Tyres for Hypercar and GTP Categories Ahead of 2026 Season
French tyre manufacturer Michelin has announced its new Pilot Sport Endurance slick tyres, set to debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA’s GTP category in 2026. The tyres, revealed prior to the 2025 Le Mans 24 Hours, are the result of extensive development that commenced in 2022.
This new range aims for significant advancements in sustainability and performance. The tyres will feature 50% renewable and recycled materials, an increase from the current 30% in existing Hypercar and GTP tyres. Key innovations include a tread pattern designed for visual differentiation between new and used tyres, although it is expected to wear off during the first lap.
Michelin is committing to a recycling initiative starting in 2026, utilizing pyrolysis to break down used competition tyres into materials suitable for producing new tyres. The company’s long-term goal is to achieve 100% renewable and recycled materials by 2050, with an interim target of 40% by 2030.
Pierre Alves, Michelin’s motorsport operational manager, noted the significant performance improvements: "We aim to enhance warm-up efficiency without tyre warmers. Testing indicates that current teams lose five to six seconds on soft compounds and up to 13 seconds on mediums during out laps."
In addition to quicker warm-up times, Michelin’s new tyres promise improved wear rates and consistency. Performance metrics show that lap times remain comparable or slightly faster, although Alves emphasized that speed was not the primary goal.
"It’s crucial for all cars—hybrid or non-hybrid—to have tyres that perform consistently across varying conditions," he stated. The durability of these tyres is designed for multiple stints, targeting up to five consecutive runs during events like Le Mans, contingent on race conditions.
Michelin’s testing regime has been rigorous, navigating strict track testing restrictions. The company has utilized advanced simulation tools in conjunction with practical tests at renowned tracks globally, including Paul Ricard and Watkins Glen. Upcoming tests will finalize compound selections ahead of production, with a goal of 30,000 prototype tyres produced annually for IMSA and WEC.
Looking to the future, Michelin is already in the initial stages of developing a new wet-weather compound and plans to introduce further innovations by 2030, contingent on retaining its supplier status for endurance racing.
Key Quotes:
- Pierre Alves: "Once we have knowledge and data, the aim is to reduce the number of tyres used during events."
- Philippe Tramond: "The plan is to keep these tyres in place for two or three years, with potential updates by 2029."
With rigorous testing ahead of the 2026 season and significant commitments to sustainability, Michelin is set to redefine the capabilities of endurance racing tyres while maintaining competitive performance standards across the board.
