10
April
2018
|
13:48 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Dunlop teams make final preparations ahead of 4 Hours of Le Castellet

Pre-season testing concluded today at the Paul Ricard Circuit near Le Castellet in the South of France. The teams are staying put, however, as the first race is at the same track this weekend.

The pre-season event gave the perfect opportunity for Dunlop partners and GTE competitors to test the full range of products available to them. The wide range of conditions, from heavy rain to bursts of sunshine with the resurfaced track have generated more data and reference points to build on for the season ahead.

In the open-competition LMP2 category 14 out of 19 teams have chosen to partner Dunlop, while in the one-brand LM GTE class there are eight cars competing. Last year saw the circuit lap record broken with the new-generation LMP2 cars; this year, with a resurfaced track and the removal of the Mistral chicane, speeds will be even higher, making the following corners among the most demanding on the tyres for the full season and Le Mans.

The Dunlop teams will have the choice of A and B (soft and medium) slick tyre options, with intermediate and full-wet options if required.

Paul Ricard Key Facts

  • 12 seconds per lap faster lap times compared to 2017 ELMS
  • Drivers now able to go ‘flat’ through high-speed Signes curve
  • Dunlop A & B 2018 tyre options tested from extreme heavy wet-weather, including hale, to sunshine, with air temperatures as low as nine degrees
  • Teams focused on race stints with up to 23 laps per stint
  • Lap times on new specifications very consistent throughout stints
  • Teams able to post fastest stint times up to last lap of stint
  • All three LMP2 manufacturers on Dunlop tyres: 7 Orecas, 4 Dallaras & 3 Ligiers.

In mixed conditions, Oreca, Ligier and Dallara all topped the times throughout the 15 hours of testing, with Henrique Chaves, Olivier Pla and Bruno Senna among the drivers topping the standings over the two days.

Dunlop LMP2 2018 Tyres

  • Full new range - A, B & C slick options plus intermediate and full-wet
  • New profile, construction and compounds
  • Target on reduced warm-up time, improved consistency, performance, feel and feedback

Dunlop LMGTE 2018 Tyres

  • Full new range – A & B slick options plus intermediate and full-wet
  • New profile, construction and compounds
  • Target on improved drivability, wider operating windows along with improved consistency and a major improvement in overall dry performance

Mike McGregor, Dunlop Manager Testing & Track Support

“Following a positive WEC test, it’s been a great opportunity to get more data and set-up info for each of the options that we’re providing for our partners this season. Across all the different chassis and partners we have found good reference points – being able to top the timing sheets with each of the chassis at points throughout the event. It’s a testament to our R&D, design and track support teams, and all the hard work from last year to the start of this season. I can’t wait for this weekend to get the season started and look forward to another year of success with our LMP2 partners and our GT customers. “

The European Le Mans Series 4 Hours of Le Castellet starts at midday local time on Sunday 15th April.

Entry list including Dunlop teams can be found here: