Japan figures strongly in the global strategy of the MICHELIN Group. This modern nation, which is also respectful of traditions that date back many centuries, is formed by an archipelago of more than 6,850 islands (together, Hokkaidō, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu account for 95% of the country) and has a population of more than 127 million. It is a country where the automobile industry stands for modernity, and where this industry and competition go hand in hand in one of the planet’s most competitive racing championships, SUPER GT.
Although a national series, SUPER GT benefits from a worldwide following and involves three of Japan’s leading manufacturers, namely TOYOTA (through its high-end brand LEXUS), NISSAN and HONDA, who are engaged in a merciless battle throughout the eight- round calendar. This year’s premier GT500 class features a field of 17 cars which race on the tyres of four different brands.
The combination of these highly exacting cars, which are both heavy and extremely powerful, the different conditions they encounter during the year (due to the different types of circuit and weather) and the ability to carry out unrestricted development work between races (although the number of tyres permitted per race is capped) is one of SUPER GT’s defining features and makes it one of the world’s most fiercely competitive championships.
Given the popularity of SUPER GT, and also the scope of the technical challenge, which makes the series such a valuable proving ground, MICHELIN decided to become involved in the competition four years ago. After just two seasons, during which time it made fast progress, the French tyre firm secured its first GT500 crown. This year, it added another title to its name, thanks notably to the victory secured by the privately-run MOLA team (which races the only MICHELIN-equipped NISSAN) at Autopolis on September 30. On October 28, at Motegi, MICHELIN will target a landmark one-two in the championship with its other SUPER GT partner: SARD (LEXUS SC430).
The 6 Hours of Fuji, on October 14, which takes place at the foot of the volcano of the same name, also contributes significantly to MICHELIN’s strategy in Japan where it seeks to showcase the quality of its tyres through its results on the racetrack.
The French tyres promise to play a crucial role in the fight between AUDI and TOYOTA. Both makes have put their faith in MICHELIN tyres and benefit from solutions that are adapted to the specific characteristics of their respective LMP1 prototypes. On top of that, the prevailing conditions may see the two teams run different tyre strategies for the race.
Serge GRISIN, the manager of MICHELIN Competition’s motor racing programmes, underlines the importance of the firm’s commitment to motorsport in Japan: “Motorsport is a contributor to the MICHELIN Group’s growth in Japan. Our involvement in such an important market serves to demonstrate the quality of our tyres. We are all very proud of our success in the SUPER GT series and I would like to underline the importance of the part played by the MICHELIN Competition team in Japan, which is run by Hiroaki ODASHIMA, who is also at our sides this weekend for the 2012 6 Hours of Fuji.”
Source : Michelin