Protyre to join FIA Formula E line up

Protyre Motorsport has been named as Michelin’s global tyre supply partner to the inaugural FIA Formula E electric race championship.

The Winchester-based firm will supply and service the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyre which has been specially developed for the series.

Protyre experts will co-ordinate logistics and trackside assistance to all teams over the 10 rounds of the innovative series.

Malcolm Scovell, commercial director for Michelin in the UK and Ireland, said: “As technical partner to Formula E, we’re delighted to have Protyre on board. Michelin works with Protyre Motorsport on a regular basis so we know they have the expertise and infrastructure to provide fantastic support to the teams.

“Formula E is a really exciting partnership for us and it fits perfectly with our track-to-street ethos and our commitment to sustainability. The 18-inch tyres mean that the things we learn from Formula E will directly influence the development of our tyres for normal electric and performance cars.
“In addition, there are no slicks and wets, so the Pilot Sport EVs will have to perform in a wide range of conditions – just as the tyres on our own cars have to.

“Michelin uses motor sport as an innovation accelerator, and Formula E is already delivering on that front.”

Protyre Motorsport is a division of Protyre, which employs about 1,200 people across 63 outlets.

Simon Hiorns, retail director at Protyre, said: “Protyre Motorsport has had a long relationship with Michelin based on a deep understanding of the brand and its products.

“In recent years we’ve worked with Michelin in Porsche, Ginetta and Renault championships. This latest development feels like a natural extension of that partnership and it’s testament to the knowledge we have and the service we offer.”

Round 1 of the FIA Formula E Championship takes place in Beijing on September 13. For further information on the Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyre and Michelin’s motorsport calendar visit www.michelinmotorsport.com.

The Protyre retail network is the TyreSafe Retailer of the Year for 2013 and it has won two awards from the Training Journal for Staff Coaching and Customer Service.