Roborace Ltd., a new venture working to develop a series for driverless race cars, has named Michelin Motorsports its official tire partner.
Michelin Motorsports said it will use "next-generation" road-going tires for the series, which will run as a companion to the Formula E electric racing series now in its third season and for which Michelin is the spec tire supplier.
Michelin's role as tire supplier extends to helping Roborace develop its car. Roborace has been testing its mule the past few months at Michelin's testing facility in Ladoux, France.
"Michelin impressed us every time we met, and they deeply understand the powerful opportunity of what road travel will become. They are pushing us, and themselves, to develop a world that moves from possibility to reality. Their commitment to safety and innovation, and the way we inspire each other to design the best possible solutions makes this a perfect partnership" said Roborace CEO Denis Sverdlov.
"We have been following the championship's progress very closely and have been testing privately with them for some time," Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon said.
"We are very impressed by the speed at which Roborace has been developing driverless technology and hardware for its championship. Driverless technology is coming and we want to be at the forefront in terms of research and development".
Michelin, the leading tyre company, is dedicated to sustainably improving the mobility of goods and people by manufacturing, distributing and marketing tyres for every type of vehicle. It also offers innovative business support services, digital mobility services and publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 170 countries, has 112,300 employees and operates 68 production plants in 17 countries. The Group also has a Technology Center, responsible for research and development, with operations in Europe, North America and Asia. (www.michelin.com)
Michelin’s regional headquarters for Africa, India and the Middle East (AIM) is based in Dubai, UAE.
Michelin tires, exclusively distributed in Kuwait by Kuwait Automotive Imports Co (Al Shaya and Al Sagar) in its 5 TYREPLUS branches in Shuwaikh (2), Jahara, Ahamadi & Sharq and through net work of dealers.