Michelin commits to 2016 FR3.5 series

Michelin has confirmed it will continue to supply tyres to the rebranded Formula Renault 3.5 championship in 2016.

The series is set to lose its overt Renault Sport support, leaving current co-organiser RPM and as the sole promoter and organizer of the championship.

Jaime Alguersuari Sr's RPM company has a relationship with Michelin dating back to 1998 and the creation of the Spanish-based Formula Nissan 2.0 Series, Open Fortuna by Nissan.

"Challenges are always a gamble," said Alguersuari. "But, as owner of RPM Racing, regaining the responsibility of the organisation of Formula Renault 3.5 is a winning bet when a company like Michelin trusts us and continues 17 years of support."

Philippe Mussati, Michelin customer competition director, added: "Our strong determination to contribute in helping RPM retain FR3.5 for the 2016 season must be emphasized. Our support to RPM is rooted in 17 years of serene cooperation throughout our involvement in WSR; the agreement happened naturally.

"For Michelin, it is important to remain a major player in the world of single-seaters, especially that class, and to do so with a 'historic' partner such as RPM. The championship is an anteroom to Formula 1 and capable of providing many champions."

Originally on Autosport.com