Formula E to use all-weather tyres from Michelin

The all-electric Spark-Renault SRT_01E, which was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show on Tuesday, features 18-inch rims, fitted with a treaded Michelin tyre that will be used in both wet and dry conditions, eliminating the need for tyre changes unless conditions are exceptionally wet.

"Michelin chose the Frankfurt show to reveal its new-generation 18-inch racing tyres which stand out as a first in the world of single-seater racing cars," said Michelin's motorsport director Pascal Couasnon.

"We designed them to be both energy-efficient and more like road tyres. As a consequence, the new FIA Formula E Championship will serve as a life-size laboratory that will help Michelin to prepare its tyres of the future."

According to Formula E boss Alejandro Agag, the decision to run treaded tyres as opposed to a more traditional slick tyre was an easy one.

"The decision is in line with the whole philosophy of the championship," he said. "Less rubber, less consumption, green tyres, and almost road tyres. That makes the decision an obvious one.

"Michelin actually was very clear that was the line that it wanted to take, and that was the same line we wanted to take, so it was all very easy."

Agag also confirmed that each team will be given three sets of tyres per weekend to run across its two cars, equating to a set and a half per car.

Those six tyres will be all the car will be permitted to use throughout practice, qualifying and the races.