10
April
2017
|
11:57 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Dunlop Endurance teams leading championship ahead of Le Mans 24H Moto race

  • Newly resurfaced track requires two-grade harder tyre compounds
  • Dunlop taking 3900 tyres for team choice
  • Faster times expected despite harder tyres
  • €5000 for top Dunlop Independent Trophy team

Race two of this season’s FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) takes place on 15th/16th April at Le Mans. The Championship leading, and title defending, Suzuki Endurance Racing Team are on home ground for the iconic race which last year saw them make a meteoric come-back from 54th to finish 5th. 33 teams out of 60 are choosing to race on Dunlop tyres.

The big news for the Le Mans round is the resurfaced Bugatti track at the La Sarthe circuit. Recent testing showed a significant difference in track characteristics with a much higher abrasion level from the new tarmac and very changeable depending on temperature. Dunlop is taking 3900 tyres to the event to give the teams choices to suit the prevailing weather and track demands. It is expected that teams will chose tyres a full two grades harder than in previous years. Key will be the race proven KR108 which has contributed to many race wins around the globe. Despite the more durable ‘harder’ tyre, lap times are still expected to be faster than in previous years following data from testing last month.

The EWC is an important arena for development. Dunlop recently launched their latest GP Racer D212 after successful testing in the first EWC race of the season. The final selection of compounds for GP Racer was made after successful results in the Superstock category at the Paul Ricard opener, with the front tyre achieving over 200 laps before a tyre change. Even Dunlop’s latest road-orientated tyres use EWC tested technology with the new for 2017 SportSmart2 Max incorporating an endurance centre compound and a high grip shoulder compound to ensure even wear and consistent road performance.

Dunlop Independents’ Trophy

23 teams received assistance from the Dunlop Independent Trophy prize fund in its first season. At the first round of the season, Moto Ain CRT took the top prize in addition to leading the Endurance World Cup for Superstock class teams. 25 teams are eligible to receive prize money at each race, with a total prize fund of €30,000 for the top 15 Dunlop Independent Trophy finishers, including a top prize of €5000 at Le Mans.

Dunlop tyres at the 24 Hours Moto

EWC Class:
3 front specifications – choice according to rider and team preference
4 rear specifications – choice according to ambient and track temperatures

Superstock Class:
2 front specifications
3 rear specifications

Tyre restriction regulations state that 45 tyres are available for EWC and 27 tyres for Superstock for qualifying, practice sessions 1 and 2 and the race. Tyre use is unlimited for free practice and night practice.

The Le Mans 24 Hour race begins at 15.00 CEST on Saturday April 15th.

The full entry list can be found at https://www.fimewc.com/​.