Its always nice to be in Abu Dhabi, at the Yas Marina Racetrack surrounded by friends and other motorsport enthusiasts. On the 16th of Feb, we caught up with Ben Ma, Director of Motorsport, Michelin-Asia Pacific, from Le Mans and chatted with him about Michelin’s role in motorsport innovation.
Here are some highlights of our conversation with Ben.
Q:Michelin has been at the forefront of motorsport innovation for decades. How does the brand approach the challenge of balancing performance, durability, and sustainability in racing tyres?
Ben Ma: At Michelin, motorsport has always been a platform for innovation, and our focus today is on combining high performance with sustainability. Our philosophy is simple – longer-lasting tyres mean fewer tyres produced, emissions. Over our century-long history, we’ve celebrated more than 1,200 victories across disciplines as diverse as rallying, endurance racing, and extreme conditions like snow, ice, and desert. Each of these challenges has shaped our approach to tyre longevity and efficiency. Today, we are accelerating our research into sustainable materials, integrating higher proportions of bio-sourced and recycled materials while maintaining the durability and grip that Michelin is known for.
Q:Motorsport serves as a high-pressure testing ground for tyre technology. How have the advancements learnt from racing influenced Michelin’s road-going tyres?
Ben Ma: Racing allows us to push the limits of tyre technology in ways that aren’t possible in everyday driving. The knowledge we acquire in endurance racing, for example, helps us design road tyres that perform consistently over their entire lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. For example, the Michelin Pilot Sport range incorporates compounds and tread patterns inspired by our motorsport experience, enhancing both grip and longevity. At Le Mans, Michelin-equipped prototypes have covered up to 750 kilometres on a single set of tyres – more than two full Formula 1 grand prix at an average speed of 240 km/h. That level of endurance directly influences the longevity and resilience of our road tyres. Additionally, our work with electric race cars is already shaping the next generation of efficient and sustainable mobility solutions for consumers.
Q:With the rise of electric and hybrid racing series, how is Michelin adapting its tyre technology to meet the unique demands of these vehicles?
Ben Ma: Electric and hybrid race cars introduce new challenges such as higher torque, increased weight, and different energy efficiency requirements. Michelin has been leading innovation in this space, particularly through our involvement in Formula E and MotoE. In 2024, we supplied the MotoE World Championship with tyres incorporating up to 53% renewable or recycled materials, and our latest prototype racing tyres feature up to 71% sustainable materials, all without compromising performance. These developments help us refine tyres that can handle the unique demands of electric mobility while reducing environmental impact.
Q:Michelin has been involved in a variety of racing disciplines, from endurance racing to rally and Formula E. Which series presents the biggest challenge from a tyre development perspective, and why?
Ben Ma: Every racing discipline presents unique challenges. Endurance racing, such as Le Mans, demands tyres that can maintain peak performance over long stints while withstanding extreme stress. Rallying requires versatility, as tyres must perform across unpredictable surfaces. Formula E, on the other hand, has pushed us to develop tyres optimised for both dry and wet conditions while improving energy efficiency. Each series pushes us in different ways, but endurance racing remains one of the toughest because it tests every aspect of tyre performance: grip, wear, consistency, and adaptability, all in extreme conditions.
Q:Looking ahead, what exciting innovations or new developments can we expect from Michelin Motorsport in the coming years?
Ben Ma: Michelin is committed to making tyres 100% sustainable by 2050, and our motorsport division is playing a key role in achieving this goal. Already, our engineers have developed competition tyres incorporating up to 71% renewable and recycled materials, with road-approved versions reaching 58% on the rear and 45% on the front. These advances, along with innovations in tyre intelligence such as real-time monitoring of wear and pressure are shaping the future of motorsport and beyond. We are also investing heavily in simulation emissions. This work is accelerating the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motorsport to commercial lines, ensuring that Michelin continues to lead the way in both performance and sustainability.
Q:Being a part of the first endurance race of 2025 for GT, 992, TCE, and TCX racing with the Michelin 24 Hours of Dubai, what have you learnt for the intense upcoming races?
Ben Ma: The Michelin 24 Hours of Dubai is an extreme test of endurance, and the insights we’ve gained from this race are invaluable. With high track temperatures, demanding stints, and the intense competition of multi-class racing, our tyres must deliver both consistency and durability under pressure. Our experience in long-distance racing, from Le Mans to Dakar, has helped us refine compounds that maintain peak performance over extended use. The data gathered from Dubai allows us to further optimise wear resistance, thermal stability, and grip – key factors that will influence our approach to the year’s upcoming endurance challenges.
Here are some highlights of our conversation with Ben.
Q:Michelin has been at the forefront of motorsport innovation for decades. How does the brand approach the challenge of balancing performance, durability, and sustainability in racing tyres?
Ben Ma: At Michelin, motorsport has always been a platform for innovation, and our focus today is on combining high performance with sustainability. Our philosophy is simple – longer-lasting tyres mean fewer tyres produced, emissions. Over our century-long history, we’ve celebrated more than 1,200 victories across disciplines as diverse as rallying, endurance racing, and extreme conditions like snow, ice, and desert. Each of these challenges has shaped our approach to tyre longevity and efficiency. Today, we are accelerating our research into sustainable materials, integrating higher proportions of bio-sourced and recycled materials while maintaining the durability and grip that Michelin is known for.
Q:Motorsport serves as a high-pressure testing ground for tyre technology. How have the advancements learnt from racing influenced Michelin’s road-going tyres?
Ben Ma: Racing allows us to push the limits of tyre technology in ways that aren’t possible in everyday driving. The knowledge we acquire in endurance racing, for example, helps us design road tyres that perform consistently over their entire lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements. For example, the Michelin Pilot Sport range incorporates compounds and tread patterns inspired by our motorsport experience, enhancing both grip and longevity. At Le Mans, Michelin-equipped prototypes have covered up to 750 kilometres on a single set of tyres – more than two full Formula 1 grand prix at an average speed of 240 km/h. That level of endurance directly influences the longevity and resilience of our road tyres. Additionally, our work with electric race cars is already shaping the next generation of efficient and sustainable mobility solutions for consumers.
Q:With the rise of electric and hybrid racing series, how is Michelin adapting its tyre technology to meet the unique demands of these vehicles?
Ben Ma: Electric and hybrid race cars introduce new challenges such as higher torque, increased weight, and different energy efficiency requirements. Michelin has been leading innovation in this space, particularly through our involvement in Formula E and MotoE. In 2024, we supplied the MotoE World Championship with tyres incorporating up to 53% renewable or recycled materials, and our latest prototype racing tyres feature up to 71% sustainable materials, all without compromising performance. These developments help us refine tyres that can handle the unique demands of electric mobility while reducing environmental impact.
Q:Michelin has been involved in a variety of racing disciplines, from endurance racing to rally and Formula E. Which series presents the biggest challenge from a tyre development perspective, and why?
Ben Ma: Every racing discipline presents unique challenges. Endurance racing, such as Le Mans, demands tyres that can maintain peak performance over long stints while withstanding extreme stress. Rallying requires versatility, as tyres must perform across unpredictable surfaces. Formula E, on the other hand, has pushed us to develop tyres optimised for both dry and wet conditions while improving energy efficiency. Each series pushes us in different ways, but endurance racing remains one of the toughest because it tests every aspect of tyre performance: grip, wear, consistency, and adaptability, all in extreme conditions.
Q:Looking ahead, what exciting innovations or new developments can we expect from Michelin Motorsport in the coming years?
Ben Ma: Michelin is committed to making tyres 100% sustainable by 2050, and our motorsport division is playing a key role in achieving this goal. Already, our engineers have developed competition tyres incorporating up to 71% renewable and recycled materials, with road-approved versions reaching 58% on the rear and 45% on the front. These advances, along with innovations in tyre intelligence such as real-time monitoring of wear and pressure are shaping the future of motorsport and beyond. We are also investing heavily in simulation emissions. This work is accelerating the transfer of cutting-edge technology from motorsport to commercial lines, ensuring that Michelin continues to lead the way in both performance and sustainability.
Q:Being a part of the first endurance race of 2025 for GT, 992, TCE, and TCX racing with the Michelin 24 Hours of Dubai, what have you learnt for the intense upcoming races?
Ben Ma: The Michelin 24 Hours of Dubai is an extreme test of endurance, and the insights we’ve gained from this race are invaluable. With high track temperatures, demanding stints, and the intense competition of multi-class racing, our tyres must deliver both consistency and durability under pressure. Our experience in long-distance racing, from Le Mans to Dakar, has helped us refine compounds that maintain peak performance over extended use. The data gathered from Dubai allows us to further optimise wear resistance, thermal stability, and grip – key factors that will influence our approach to the year’s upcoming endurance challenges.
