Mickael Guyot has won the contest to design the livery for the Dunlop sponsored JMW Motorsport Ferrari F458 GT2 car that will race in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The car will first race in its new livery at the 24 Hours of Le Mans where Dunlop has a long and successful history, having 34 victories at the iconic endurance race to its name.
Mickael will celebrate an anniversary himself; the prize includes tickets to the race and it will be the 20th time the Le Mans born Frenchman will spectate at the event. The 38 year old works in the telecoms industry and has been an endurance racing enthusiast since childhood. 2013 is the first time that he has entered the competition which is now in its fifth year.
Hundreds of entries from 21 countries were narrowed down to regional finalists before the grand final. Public votes on the facebook app combined with a judging panel decided that Mickael’s work decided the top prize. His design was inspired by the 125th anniversary, the tyre tread patterns and speed.
The jury, which determined the winner from the finalists, comprised Sanjay Khanna, Managing Director, Dunlop Europe, Jean-Felix Bazelin, General Manager, Dunlop Motorsport, and Jim McWhirter, JMW team owner.
Mickael will see the unveiling of the car bearing his design on Saturday 8th June at the Le Mans track. He will also see behind the scenes at the Le Mans test event the following day, receive a pair of tickets to the Le Mans race itself and 1000 Euros.
Mickael Guyot: “My main inspiration for the design was to highlight the 125th anniversary of Dunlop. This is why we find the 125th anniversary logo next to the portrait of the creator of the world famous brand. Looking at the car, the spectators at Le Mans and those around the world watching on screens will know that it is Dunlop’s anniversary. But, as is a manufacturer Dunlop tyre, I stamped on the front and roof of the car a tyre imprint. The design on the back is there to give a sense of speed to the car.
“Winning is like one part of me is involved in this legendary race. I am the happiest 24H of Le Mans fan. This is the most amazing thing that could happen to me. During the week, I hope that the design of the JMW Motorsport Ferrari will be well received by the public. I hope she gets noticed on the track.”
Sanjay Khanna, Director, Dunlop Brand EMEA : “Dunlop is very fortunate to have a great following and even after five years we are getting more entries and a huge variety of ideas. I think it is very fitting that we have a Le Mans born winner and it is great that 2013 will be such a special year for him too. The jury liked the way that Mickael had focussed on the birthday celebration but still kept the essence of tyres and speed which is what Dunlop is all about.”
Dunlop is providing tyres for at least 20 of the 56 cars that will start the Le Mans 24 on June 16th including the Green GT car which will be the first hydrogen fuel cell car to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Source : Dunlop