Each year, Michelin organises test sessions with its partners as part of its preparations for the following season.

Michelin and its partners are testing new tyres for 2011 at Aragon

This year saw Michelin invite its endurance racing partner teams to Aragon Motorland in the south of Spain for three days of intensive testing. The programme is focused on working on evolution-spec slicks for 2011.

“The development of our range for next year began during the Le Mans 24 Hours,” says Serge Grisin, the manager of Michelin Competition’s car racing programmes.” Our objective this week is to validate our latest products and compare them with the existing range.”

Audi is attending the test with a brace of R15 TDIs for Kristensen and Capello, while Ferrari has brought a F430 for Melo and Fisichella. Porsche is present with a GT2 and a Cup, and Aston Martin is lapping with a GT2 Vantage.

Today’s conditions were still damp after yesterday’s rain but the track is expected to dry quickly.

The second phase of Michelin’s test programme will see its partners gather at Magny-Cours at the beginning of November where evaluation of the firm’s new wet weather tyres is planned.

2011, 24 Hours of Le Mans, Michelin, Testing