A wet track at Snetterton was just what Michelin engineers wanted to confirm wet tire plans for Le Mans----photo courtesy Nissan.

The experimental Nissan DeltaWing prototype sportscar kicked off its European testing program at Snetterton, in Norfolk, England earlier this week with Marino Franchitti and Michael Krumm getting the opportunity to test in both true wet and drying conditions.

Steady rain throughout the morning enabled the team to undertake wet weather development with Michelin, with the hugely innovative 1.6-litre Nissan DIG-T turbo-powered car.

Franchitti conducted most of the morning running in conditions that ranged from damp to fully wet weather, an important step in the development of the wet tires for the car. “Mother nature really did us a favor today, because it was great to get another run in the wet,” said Franchitti. “I basically got monsoon conditions and Michael got to try the car on a drying track. It was a very good test for the car and the tires.”

The Nissan DeltaWing features half the weight, half the horsepower and half the aerodymamic drag of a traditional Le Mans sportscar – with specially designed Michelin front tires that are only four inches wide.

Michael Krumm took over for much of the afternoon running – enjoying drier conditions as the team worked on suspension adjustments, braking and gearbox improvements. ” I am really pleased with how the car felt,” said Krumm. “We’ve made some changes to the car including the steering which is now a lot better. Everyone was wondering before the car ran whether it would turn – in fact it probably turned too well and we have made some improvements in that area.”

The Nissan DeltaWing will make its debut at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours.

Designed by Ben Bowlby, the DeltaWing partnership brings together some of the biggest names in North American motorsport, including project managing partner and American Le Mans Series founder, Don Panoz; racing legend and Nissan DeltaWing constructor, Dan Gurney’s All American Racers organisation along with Le Mans entrant, Duncan Dayton’s Highcroft Racing.

The Nissan DeltaWing will continue its testing program next week with a two-day test scheduled