– Rebellion Racing repeat third overall
- Dunlop/Aston Martin Racing partnership takes first win
The second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Belgium proved another resounding success for Dunlop teams. The 6 Hours of Spa was much hotter than usual but Dunlop’s tyre choices more than coped with the challenge with LMP2 teams able to use multiple stint strategies to add to the thrilling race.
LMP1 Private Teams
In only the second race with Dunlop tyres, Rebellion Racing repeated the feat of taking an overall race podium finish. The number 13 Rebellion of Imperatori, Kraihamer and Tuscher finished the race third while also taking the top step of the podium for privateers. The sister car finished fourth overall.
LMP2
Although open to competition, all teams have chosen to race on Dunlop tyres, guaranteeing a full Dunlop podium. The number 36 Signatech-Alpine won the class, followed by Extreme Speed Motorsports’ #31 Ligier. The number 45 Manor Oreca took third despite having an incident at the start and being last. The result put three different chassis manufacturers on the podium. Silverstone winners RGR Sport by Morand crossed the line in fourth, the top four being separated by less than 5.5 seconds and fighting for position to the very end of the six hours of racing. Number 26 G-Drive Racing took pole position and fastest race lap and finished fifth. Despite the heat teams were able to at least double stint tyres with cars able to use the same sets of tyres for over 330km.
LMGTE
The number 97 Aston Martin, driven by Stanaway, Rees and Adam, took its first LMGTE Pro podium on Dunlop tyres with third in class while the number 98 LMGTE Am car of Dalla Lana, Lamy and Lauda bettered its Silverstone second place to win. The car dominated the class leading 107 of 140 laps. All three WEC Dunlop-shod Aston Martin Racing entries have now taken a podium finish.
Mike McGregor, Dunlop Manager Testing & Track Support : « It was another amazing result for Rebellion. They are now second and fourth in the drivers’ championship against big-budget manufacturers. We’re over the moon for them. The LMP2 result is a testimony to the work we’ve done to have such a high level of competition with so many teams in genuine contention for podium places, separated by such small time differences with different chassis and driver combinations is great. Getting another podium in the LMGTE Pro class is another very good result and another step forward as we approach Le Mans while with the GTE Am class pole position and Dunlop’s first WEC GT win we couldn’t have asked for more so big thanks to Aston Martin. »
LMP1 Confidential tyre range full range for all conditions
Dunlop’s return to LMP1 competition for the first time since 2012
Two Rebellion Racing cars and one Bykolles Racing Team CLM
Tyres permitted per 6 hour event: 10 sets plus two single tyres
Dunlop has developed new tyres for these teams and is allowed to continue development throughout the year. While the number of tyres for each event are restricted there can be changes to specifications for following events.
LMP2 Set specification (soft, medium, medium-plus, intermediate, wet)
Open tyre competition
All 11 Silverstone entries have chosen Dunlop tyres
Two out of three dry specifications nominated per event
Soft and medium dry weather options nominated for Silverstone
Tyres permitted per 6 hour event: 7 sets plus two single tyres
The LMP2 range is completely new, developing from the strong 2015 performance but providing a wider operating window and greater consistency.
LMGTE Pro Confidential tyre range full range for all conditions
Bespoke product for Aston Martin Racing
Two car entry
Tyres permitted per 6 hour event: 10 sets plus two single tyres
The LMGTE Pro range will continue to be developed throughout the season.
LMGTE Am Set specification (soft, medium, medium-plus, intermediate, wet)
Single car entry
Specification for full season will be current LMGTE Pro specification
Tyres permitted per 6 hour event: 10 sets plus two single tyres
James Bailey,