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Michelin Becomes WRC Tire Supplier for 2011

With Pirelli ending their World Rally Championship programme at the end of this season and focusing exclusively on their 3-year deal with F1, the premier rallying series needed a quick replacement for the upcoming campaign. And they did not have to wait for too long, as former F1 tire supplier Michelin have admitted interest in joining the series starting 2011.

The French company made their interest known to the International Automobile Federation (FIA) a while ago, yet it was only today confirmed by the ruling body that Michelin will become the new supplier of the WRC series. Of course, applications from other tire manufacturers will continue to be awaited by the FIA for the 2011 season, as it confirmed earlier this year the WRC would welcome multiple tire suppliers starting next year.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile [FIA] has accepted Michelin's application to supply tires for the World Rally Championship beginning in 2011. Michelin's application was prompted by the FIA's decision to open the championship to more than one tyre manufacturer and by the likelihood of a rule change,” announced Michelin via a statement earlier today.

Racing offers Michelin's teams the opportunity to validate their technological innovations in the most extreme conditions of use. These innovations will then be transferred to street tires, thereby helping to improve the performance balance and lower the environmental impact of Michelin's products. Motorsports also provide a powerful incentive for Michelin to further its mission of ensuring sustainable mobility.

That's why Michelin supports the FIA in its commitment to integrating a more responsible vision of rallying by reducing the number of tires used in races, beginning in 2012. This is in line with an environmental approach that Michelin has been pursuing since 1992, when it introduced its first fuel-efficient tire,” added the statement.
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