MICHELIN named as tyre supplier for the 2013 ASIAN LE MANS SERIES

[Grand_Fromage]

Is it just me, or is this a worrying development. Where does this stop?

Tyres are part of the diversity of endurance racing, and what sets it apart. Could this be a preview of Le Mans 24 down the road a little?

[Jules G]

Is it just me, or is this a worrying development.

It keeps costs down for the smaller teams based in Europe and North America as they do not have to ship tyres 2/3rd of the way round the world. However they will probably have additional set up cost and contractual issues with their home based tyre suppliers.

Michelin just want a large slice of the Asian market, especially with China. All those new Chinese registered cars need new tyres at some point.

[Lazy B'stard]

Another nail in the coffin IMO.

We had a great historic rally championship here until the organisers imposed a tyre partner. It was supposed to cut costs, but meant many smaller teams had to swap to expensive tyres that simply didn't work unless you were running an Escort. We now have a third of the entries and a lack of diversity.

Also a real pisser if you have spent a few seasons developing your car around a particular tyre. All that data now useless.