On December 19, the FIA launched a tender for the tires that will equip the Hypercars between 2030 and 2032, a crucial issue for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. While Michelin currently dominates this category, it will be necessary to hold on to stay in the race!
A strategic tender
The first documents related to this tender have been published on the website of the International Automobile Federation. Currently, Michelin is the official supplier for the premier endurance category, having even extended its contract by one year last year, until 2029. But competition will intensify, and this new tender could well reshape the landscape of tire suppliers for the coming years.
Demanding specifications
This new tender concerns a period that may be extended by one or two seasons, depending on the satisfaction of the FIA and the ACO regarding the winner. Candidates will have until April 15, 2026, to submit their bids, with an announcement of the results scheduled for June 12, just before the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It goes without saying that the pressure will be high for the candidates.
Technically, the tires must have an 18-inch rim, a maximum width of 13.5 inches at the front and 15 inches at the rear, without exceeding a total diameter of 28 inches. For the 24 Hours of Le Mans, three types of slicks will be necessary, while two others will be required for the rest of the calendar. A rain tire will also complete the range of choices. Teams must be able to complete three consecutive stints with a set of tires at Le Mans, and two for the other events, all with a performance level comparable to that of 2025.
Environmental requirements
The requirements do not stop there. The supplier must be able to produce 8,300 tires per year for a total of 18 Hypercars, with a unit value around 900 euros. An important condition: at least 70% of the materials used must be sustainable. This demonstrates a growing willingness to integrate environmentally friendly practices into the world of motorsport, a trend that will only intensify in the coming years.
Tests before the final decision
As part of this tender, candidates will be able to conduct up to five testing days between January and mid-April 2026, gathering all interested manufacturers. This will allow them to validate their proposals before the final selection. Once the best offer is chosen, a preparation program will be implemented: three days of running at the end of 2026, five in 2027, seven in 2028, and ten in 2029. This will refine the performance of the tires before tackling the big competition.
A fierce competition ahead
As the horizon clears for the Hypercars, the challenge is set. Who will be able to take on this challenge? Will Michelin continue to dominate, or will we see the emergence of new players in the tire market? This new tender is undoubtedly a pivotal moment for motorsport, marking a shift towards more sustainable practices while maintaining performance at the heart of concerns.
To follow the evolution of this exciting competition and discover all the latest news in the world of motorsport, feel free to check out our dedicated section on motorsport news.
