What do you get out of your involvement in LM P2, both for sports cars and road use?
James Bailey: "For us, LM P2 is a technical development platform for the tyres of the future. The support generated by the LM P2s allows us to develop new constructions that we also integrate into our GT motorsports program. In terms of road use, the rubber formula utitlized for the Dunlop Sport Max Race tyre mounted on the Porsche 911 GT3s comes directly from our work in LM P2. It is a very important element for us."

Whether at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) or the European Le Mans Series, the battle has been increasingly intense in the LM P2 class these last few years, and that must also provide you precious information…
"Definitely. Given the performances of the LM P2 are relatively similar, we always know where we stand relative to tyre development. These last years, the battle has been absolutely fantastic and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has achieved remarkable success in bringing this class where it is today: great variety in chassis, a capped budget, restricted technical development, excellent team professionalism…It is an outstanding balance for a sustainable strategy in the longterm which amounts to good diversity as well as in increase in interest on the part of new partners for the teams."

Is there a battle at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Michelin?
"We respect our rival a great deal because, like us, they have a lot of experience and have had many victories. We are very proud that at the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans, the LM P2 class is the only one to have experienced a "tyres war." In 2014, we finished in the top three spots in LM P2 (with three different chassis: Jota Sport's Zytek, Thiriet by TDS Racing's Ligier and Signatech Alpine's A450b, editor's note), but we are in no way resting on our laurels: this year, we are bringing a new tyre and taking the next step."

Considering Dunlop's prestigious history at Le Mans, in terms of the LM P1 class are you thinking more or less longterm?
"We are proud of this record. 2015 marks our 127th year in competition and it has been 91 years since we scored our first win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (with the Bentley of John Duff and Frank Clement in 1924, editor's note). Our success in LM P2 proves we feel perfectly capable of moving into LM P1, but it is a question of the right opportunity and the right time to do so. LM P1 must be about a history and partnership with a constructor, as well as a perfect blend of marketing and the technical aspects. We are ready to discuss it with a constructor, as we can offer something different."