Dunlop returns to LMP1 competition with Rebellion

It will be the first time since 2012 that there has been any other tyre manufacturer other than Michelin. Rebellion chose Dunlop after a post-season test at Bahrain last November.

As revealed by Motorsport.com last week, Rebellion Racing will race an upgraded version of its R-One LMP1-L car in 2016, entering two cars in the championship.

“We are delighted to welcome Dunlop as tyre partner of Rebellion Racing and are excited about working alongside a company with such a deep motorsport background and rich history at Le Mans,” said Rebellion Team Manager, Bart Hayden.

“We look forward to establishing a strong and long term relationship with Dunlop.  We saw in recent seasons that Dunlop have provided very competitive tyres to the LMP2 cars and we hope that this partnership will further improve the competitiveness of the Rebellion R-One LMP1 cars.”

Dunlop, who last won an LMP1 championship in 2011 in the American Le Mans Series with the Dyson Racing Lola-Mazda LMP1, has enjoyed notable success in the LMP2 category at Le Mans over the last five season, taking every class win since 2011.

The company is also set to supply the majority of a large LMP2 contingent at Le Mans this June.

“Rebellion Racing has established itself as one of the most respected and professional teams in the FIA WEC paddock," added Xavier Fraipont, Managing Director, Dunlop Motorsport EMEA.

"We are delighted that they have chosen Dunlop as a technical partner. We are proud that they selected our iconic brand after an intensive comparative tyre test and we will be providing focused technical support to help us drive forward together during the season.”