The five-round 2010 Le Mans Series has received entries from 44 cars. Michelin will have partners in all four categories.

In LMP1, Michelin will continue to work with the 2009 series-winning Aston Martin (Signature Plus), as well as with the Team ORECA-run Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (Lapierre/Panis), the two Kolles R10 TDIs and the two Lola B10/60s entered by the recently-founded Rebellion Racing squad. Michelin tyres will also feature on the two factory Audi R15 TDIs that will contest three of the calendar’s five rounds, as well as on the works Peugeot 908 HDI FAP which are expected to race at Spa, and on Drayson Racing’s Lola-Judd at Silverstone.

The battle for LMP2 honours promises to be equally exciting, with no fewer than 16 entries for the entire championship, and the scrap between tyre firms is likely to be just as fierce. Michelin saw the 2009 LMP2 crown slip from its grasp, so it will be looking to put the situation right this time round in association with the likes of RML and Strakka Racing which now both use Honda power. Other partnerships are currently being finalised.

Although the LMGT1 category is unlikely to generate very much interest given that only two Saleen S7Rs have entered, the LMGT2 category has no less than 15 cars down to contest the whole series! Here again, there is every chance that the fight will be just as tough between tyre firms as it is between the different carmakers involved. Michelin will be out to defend its title with Team Felbermayr-Proton (Porsche), while its rubber will also been seen on the three Ferrari F430 GTs tended by AF Corse which has recruited Giancarlo Fisichella and Jean Alesi!

The official 2010 Le Mans Series pre-season test at Le Castellet is scheduled for March 7-8, and the French venue will go on to host the year’s opening clash one month later.

LMS, Michelin