Dunlop has unveiled the championships it will support in 2013 and as well as confirming its commitment to the FIA WEC, the company has also welcomed the dates and new format for the relaunched European Le Mans Series, describing it as a ‘major step forward’ in securing the future of endurance racing in Europe.
Jean-Felix Bazelin, General Manager, Dunlop Motorsport stated “Whilst we are excited about the growth of Le Mans type racing around the world, Europe is the heartland for the majority of teams and chassis manufacturers in this category of racing. After a difficult year for the European Le Mans Series , it is fantastic to see a strong calendar for 2013, closely aligned to the promising new FIA World Endurance Championship. We see the growth of both championships as vital components in building the strongest possible grid for the Le Mans 24h race.”
Dunlop are the most successful tyre manufacturer in the history of the Le Mans 24h race, with 34 overall wins and back to back LMP2 wins in the last two years. Dunlop also was the major tyre supplier to teams in the European Le Mans Series during 2012, being the choice of the LMP2 and GT-Pro champions.
“The European Le Mans Series offered fans some thrilling racing in 2012, particularly in the LMP2 category. It was great to be part of this, and as the championship regroups and relaunches we are firmly committed to being part of its revitalisation in 2013 and beyond. ”
“We also see an exciting future for the FIA World Endurance Championship. However, it is important that all stakeholders work together to ensure that there is sustainable growth for this championship. We took steps to reduce costs by restricting tyre choice options in LMP2 this year, and if stakeholders in the championship continue to drive for similar initiatives to reduce freight, logistics and other event costs then this championship could have a very attractive future” added Bazelin.
Dunlop’s increased focus on European-based endurance racing, including the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) , International GT Open and the VLN series, as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), means that Dunlop will not supply tyres to any teams in the 2013 American Le Mans Series.
“We have had a fantastic four years in the American Le Mans Series, winning both the LMP1 and GT championships with our partners in 2011, and winning races in all three open classes this year. It is a fantastic, highly competitive championship and we are incredibly proud of our successes. However, with an increased calendar in North America clashing with several of the other major international championships where we compete, we have had to make choices. I thank our American Le Mans teams and IMSA for their support over the last four years. Their recent merger with Grand-Am is a positive step towards building an even stronger championship and we wish them well” stated Bazelin.
In ELMS and the WEC, Dunlop will continue active development of the LMP1, LMP2 and GT tyres to build on their championship winning success from 2012. In VLN, Dunlop will also continue to develop tyres for partners such as AMG Customer Sports to suit the unique demands of the Nurburgring Nordschliefe. Dunlop will also increase capacity for championships that use the company’s standard one-brand tyre range, such as the successful International GT Open.
“In 2012, we have developed class-winning tyres in LMP1 with Dyson-Lola, LMP2 with a variety of diverse chassis, GT with BMW and JMW-Ferrari in Le Mans Series events and with AMG at the Nurburgring. This has given us a strong basis to continue the proactive and intensive development needed to win in these open and highly competitive championships. We relish the challenge of raising the bar again in 2013” concluded Bazelin.
