12
October
2017
|
08:57 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Dunlop Teams set for ELMS title battles in Portugal

  • Two titles to be won in final round at Portimão
  • Medium & medium-plus nominated for new surface & track characteristics
  • Two-way battle for title in LMP2
  • Wide-open all-Dunlop LM GTE class

Two Dunlop teams will claim titles at the final 2017 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) event in Portugal at the weekend. The Portimão event will take place on 22nd October. Ten of the 12 premier LMP2 class will race on Dunlop tyres as will the six entries in the all-Dunlop LM GTE class.

The Portimão track has returned to the ELMS calendar, with the last race taking place in 2010. Since then Dunlop has tested at the aggressive-natured track, although recent resurfacing has reportedly reduced the bumpy nature of the circuit. Dunlop has nominated the medium and medium-plus compounds for both classes in view of the new surface, in addition to the long high-downforce corners and elevation changes that characterise the track.

LMP2 Class

The chase for the ELMS Championship title is between current leaders, G-Drive Racing, and United Autosports, the only team capable of overturning the 18-point advantage. The battle is not just between the teams with Oreca and Ligier the respective manufacturers also doing battle and looking to take the first title with the new-generation LMP2 cars.

2017 ELMS LMP2 Dunlop statistics after 5 rounds of 6

  • 5/5 wins
  • 15/15 podium finishes
  • 636/646 laps led
  • 16 consecutive victories

LM GTE Class

In the all-Dunlop GT class, the title race is wide open. Standings’ leader TF Sport lost some of its points advantage at the last round with five teams capable of winning the class title in Portugal. It is certain that the title will be lifted by either an Aston Martin or Ferrari squad but there are no clear indications as to which it will be. The #55 Sprit of Race Ferrari is the only car to score more than one win, while only one point separates TF Sport’s Aston Martin at the top from JMW Motorsport’s Ferrari.

2017 ELMS LM GTE statistics after 5 rounds of 6

  • 4 different race winners from 7
  • 6 different podium finishers from 7
  • 4 different teams on pole position from 7

The European Le Mans Series 4 Hours of Portimão starts at 13:00 local time on Sunday 22nd October.

Entry list including Dunlop teams can be found here​​: