French tyre manufacturer Michelin has continued its long-running association with the World Rally Championship by signing a three-season extension to its partnership with the motor racing series.
Michelin and WRC Promoter, commercial rights-holder of the series, have agreed a new deal under which the company will be the official tyre of the WRC until the end of 2019.
The agreement announced today (Thursday) comes as Michelin bids to secure its 300th WRC victory at RallyRACC Catalunya – Rally de España this weekend, while it stands on the verge of sealing its 50th world title in the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.
Michelin’s involvement in the WRC dates back to the inaugural championship in 1973. It has provided tyres to manufacturers for all but four seasons since then.
Under the new agreement, Michelin will enjoy prominent top-tier branding at all WRC rounds, as well as on championship materials and WRC Promoter’s digital communications outlets. It will also continue to have a strong presence in the WRC’s service parks throughout the season.
Michelin motorsport director Pascal Couasnon said the company is keen to tackle the challenges that will come with producing tyres for the new generation of World Rally cars, which will enter the championship next season.
“The more powerful cars that are poised to make their debut in 2017 pose a fresh challenge for our engineers whose mission is to continue conceiving tyres that are not only increasingly competitive, but also safer and more versatile,” he said.
“For Michelin, competing in the next three WRC seasons will provide us with further opportunities to innovate and showcase our expertise.”