Michelin Introduces A New Racing Tire

[Vercingetorix]

Certainly an odd looking thing. I’m wondering if that patterning is to help with first lap warmup, or just decoration.
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/michelin-unveils-2026-hypercar-gtp-tire/

 

[SwampSurvivor]

That tread pattern makes me uncomfortable.

 

[CarlB]

That tread pattern makes me uncomfortable.

It's a slick. There isn't tread.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I think I need this tire... Love Michelin rubber!

 

[Cujet]

It's a slick. There isn't tread.

In the picture it looks like a tread pattern with deep grooves. But I think you are right, it's called a pattern. Maybe it is just different colors in the rubber? I wonder if the pattern has any benefit what so ever...

Heck, if they are going to make a pattern, why not spell out the company name. That way it will occasionally leave an imprint on surfaces.

 

[thastinger]

In the picture it looks like a tread pattern with deep grooves. But I think you are right, it's called a pattern. Maybe it is just different colors in the rubber? I wonder if the pattern has any benefit what so ever...

Heck, if they are going to make a pattern, why not spell out the company name. That way it will occasionally leave an imprint on surfaces.

Maybe those grooves fill in with everyone else's marbles and make the tire last twice as long.

 

[KevinMalone]

The "tread" is only a visual indicator that the tire is new and will disappear within the first lap.

 

[FranklinJL]

Certainly an odd looking thing. I’m wondering if that patterning is to help with first lap warmup, or just decoration.
https://sportscar365.com/lemans/wec/michelin-unveils-2026-hypercar-gtp-tire/

Im sure they know what they are doing, Michelin makes the best tires in the world.....