Midweek Motorsport s20 e40

·1 hr 58 min·5 clips

Michelin's motorsport director reveals their IMSA race tires already contain 50% recycled materials, a target for road tires by 2030.

The episode opens with the hosts, John Hindhaugh and Nick Damon, introducing a packed schedule including a look back at Petit Le Mans and Bathurst, and a look ahead to the weekend's events. They begin with news items, including a story about former F1 champion Mika Häkkinen predicting his 14-year-old daughter, Ella, could be in Formula 1 within six years, sparking a broader discussion about the pipeline for female drivers. The hosts note that while female participation in junior karting is around 10%, the proportional drop-off to single-seaters is significant, and they critique the lack of formal research into why this happens. F1 news includes Mercedes confirming George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli for 2026, with discussion about Toto Wolff's dual role as team principal and Russell's manager. The show also covers Bernie Ecclestone's comments on the absence of a German Grand Prix and the confirmation of Audi's F1 entry for 2026. The two-wheel segment provides a full rundown of the confirmed MotoGP grid for the next season and updates on rider movements in British Superbikes. World Superbike coverage highlights the dominance of Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Nicolò Bulega. The episode's major feature is a pre-recorded interview from Petit Le Mans with Raymond Cotton, Director of Motorsports for Michelin North America. He discusses Michelin's use of IMSA as a laboratory, revealing that their new race tires for 2026 already contain 50% sustainable or recycled materials, a company-wide target for 2030. He also talks about the design challenges posed by heavier, more powerful electric vehicles. The show concludes with updates on the Porsche Carrera Cup North America championship battle heading into the COTA finale and various listener messages and minor news items.

As heard by us

Estoril form, British Superbike movement, and a UAE sandstorm give this loose motorsport chat its spark.

Midweek Motorsport s20 e40 works best as a lively snapshot of racing news trying to settle while the conversation is still moving. It tracks Andrew Irwin leaving Honda after an injury-hit second British Superbike stint, Ryan Vickers stepping in, and Scott Redding returning to…

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Why you'd press play

You press play for Estoril dominance, British Superbike reshuffling, and a UAE sandstorm loud enough to send someone after the cameras.

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