Michelin race tire engineers are closely monitoring the track and ambient temperatures in anticipation of cooling later this evening and a possible switch to cooler range tires.

It is 7:30 pm local time with nearly 3 hours of daylight remaining on what has become a sunny and comfortable late afternoon and early evening.

Michelin places an engineer with each techncial partner team to gain data, insights and assist the teams in optimizing their tire performance.

Here at Le Mans, Michelin technical partners include Audi, Toyota, HPD/Honda, Nissan DeltaWing, Corvette Racing, Aston Martin,and top GT independents including the Porsches from Flying Lizard, Felbermayr Proton, ProSpeed, and IMSA Performance Matmut and the Ferraris of AF Corse, Luxury Racing and JMB, and Corvette’s Larbre Competition.

Independent LMP1 technical partners include Rebellion Racing, Pescarolo Team and the Strakka and JRM HPD Hondas.

In all, 32 of the 56 starters are Michelin technical partner entries.

–post script– Helmets are now required safety gear alomg with firesuit, headsock and goggles for all pit lane team personnel, including Michelin engineers.