The BTCC race takes place near to Darlington, England, which coincides with NASCAR's “Chase to the Championship” playoff opener at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. With the FIA World Endurance Championship's Lone Star Le Mans endurance event in Austin, Texas and and the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis taking place across the same weekend, the races will see Goodyear technology pushed to its limits. The demands placed on a racing tire vary dramatically between each championship. For Goodyear, that means understanding what being fast looks like in every environment and developing Eagle tires that meet every challenge.

Xavier Fraipont, Vice President, Goodyear Racing said “Goodyear Racing is at its best when we can demonstrate just how different the demands of racing can be, and this weekend brings together four very different racing environments and demonstrates the challenges for Goodyear Racing Eagle tires across four distinct championships,” said ““The varied environments and challenges allow our technical teams to create tires that perform, and those lessons translate to the tires that customers can buy today. ‘Fast is in us’ isn’t just our mantra, but our fuel that allows us to create what we consider the best tires in the world, anywhere.”

Goodyear takes on all comers at the top levels, and Goodyear Racing remains dedicated to helping drivers and teams find speed, traction, consistency, and confidence wherever they compete.

-------

Did someone say horsepower?

It is the idea at the heart of Goodyear's global Fast Is In Us campaign, which celebrates the Eagle performance tire family and its more than four decades of credibility in performance– and how that spirit is found in the construction of every single Goodyear Eagle performance tire.

In the British Touring Car Championship, fast is in the battle. Goodyear Racing provides teams with a choice of up to three different compounds, which can be deployed across practice, qualifying and the three championship races. The choice of compound allows teams another layer of strategy to a series where drivers fight for position throughout the field.

In NASCAR, fast is in the turns. Darlington Raceway’s high speeds, rough surface and egg-shaped, high-banked oval layout make it a demanding test for Goodyear Racing Eagle tires, and drivers and teams will need to be perfect - from managing tire wear to race strategy and pitstops - to reach Victory Lane.

At Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, it’s a different set of challenges. Fast is in the launch. The U.S. Nationals is NHRA's flagship event, where performance begins from a standing start and the ability for Goodyear Eagle tires to transfer 11,000+ horsepower into forward motion from the moment the lights go green, before carrying that performance through the rest of the run at over 340 mph. The force, technology and grip are unparalleled in racing today.

And at Circuit of The Americas, fast is in the consistency. During the six-hour Lone Star Le Mans, every production-based sports car in the LMGT3 category will compete on Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tires, with drivers able to cover more than 300 gruelling competition miles on a single set. This compound has proven its performance since LMGT3 joined the FIA WEC package in 2024 and has been thoroughly tested and has endured vastly different tracks, supporting front-, mid-, and rear-engined cars, and meeting the demands of both professional and amateur drivers.

Teams will be supplied with two sets of Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound tyres as the standard selection for the weekend and one set of Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard as the option tyre, a combination that allows for a variety of tyre strategies to play out.

As the championship heads into the final three events, teams will be able to bring an additional set of carryover tyres compared to previous rounds, where they could only bring two sets. Alongside the slick tyres used in dry conditions, teams have unrestricted access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet conditions.

Croft is one of the most challenging venues of the season, with a combination of fast flowing corners, long straights and slow technical sections that will test drivers’ accuracy. The twisting sequence around the complex rewards maximum precision while the heavy braking zones will require drivers to commit, so confidence in their Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres will be important.

“This weekend’s tyre selections are designed to give teams the most interesting strategic options, so we expect this to be a talking point on Sunday,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “Croft’s combination of fast sweeping sections and harsh braking zones demand commitment from drivers. The track is a true test of drivers’ bravery and accuracy, with several spots for thrilling overtakes.”

These rounds of the British Touring Car Championship are part of a big weekend for Goodyear Racing, with several major races also happening across the USA. Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park hosts the U.S. Nationals, the most prestigious event on the NHRA schedule, while Circuit of The Americas is home to a six-hour FIA World Endurance Championship race. It isn’t just BTCC racing near Darlington, as NASCAR is in action at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, too.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 22, 23, and 24
Track: Croft (2.13 miles: 10 left turns, 6 right turns)
Location: North Yorkshire, England
Date/Time: Sunday, September 6, 12:10 BST (R1) / 14:30 BST (R2) / 17:15 BST (R3) TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Soft (standard) / Eagle Hard (option)
Previous usage this season: Eagle Soft (Donington Park National, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Oulton Park, Knockhill); Eagle Medium (Donington Park National, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Thruxton qualifying, Knockhill, Donington Park GP); Eagle Hard (Oulton Park, Thruxton, Donington Park GP)
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 24 (8 Eagle Soft / 4 Eagle Hard / 12 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit

Teams will be supplied with three sets of ‘standard’ Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound tyres and one set of ‘option’ Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard compound tyres at Donington.

Regulations also permit teams to deploy two sets of carryover tyres, including the Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound, during free practice and the official qualifying session. The free choice of tyre compound applies solely to these sessions; teams must use the ‘standard’ Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound in the Qualifying Race.

As well as the slick tyres used in dry conditions, teams have access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet conditions.

Donington Park’s Craner Curves are among the fastest sections on the calendar, a sweeping downhill sequence that loads the tyres with sustained lateral forces. This is contrasted by the three heavy braking zones of the Melbourne and Goddards hairpins, where braking stability and traction take priority. The result is that tyres have to deliver across two very different demands within a single lap.

“Donington Park’s GP layout asks a lot of tyres, combining the high-load, high-speed characteristics of the Craner Curves with the more technical section around the Melbourne hairpin,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “What makes this weekend particularly interesting from a strategic perspective is the free choice of carryover compounds in official qualifying. Teams can select any compound they've accumulated from previous events and deploy these strategically in the two 15-minute qualifying groups for the first time this season. These choices promise to add spice to the qualifying session.”

Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend in Belgium for the 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, and across the Atlantic in the NASCAR races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the NHRA event at Brainerd International Raceway.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 19, 20, and 21
Track: Donington Park GP (2.49 miles: 5 left turns, 7 right turns)
Location: Leicestershire, England
Date/Time: Sunday, August 23, 11:45 BST (R1) / 14:45 BST (R2) / 17:30 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Medium (standard) / Eagle Hard (option)
Previous usage this season: Eagle Soft (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Oulton Park, Knockill); Eagle Medium (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Thruxton qualifying, Knockhill); Eagle Hard (Oulton Park, Thruxton)
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 24 (12 Eagle Soft / 4 Eagle Hard / 8 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit

Teams are also allocated one set of Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound tyres, but these can only be used during practice and Saturday’s qualifying session.

Thruxton’s high-speed layout and extremely abrasive surface make it the toughest circuit for tyre degradation on the calendar and, as such, the compound allocation reflects the high lateral forces generated by the track’s demanding 2.36-mile configuration.

The Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard compound is designed specifically to endure Thruxton’s extreme demands and high-speed cornering through sections such as Goodwood, Church and the Campbell, Cobb, and Seagrave complex. The track is renowned for producing the highest average lap speeds of the season, with qualifying laps expected to exceed an average speed of 110mph.

“At Thruxton, drivers must use the Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard tyre during each of the races, and can only deploy the Eagle Medium tyres during practice and qualifying,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “The track’s abrasive surface is notoriously demanding on tyres, so the tyre selections are designed to reflect these conditions. The use of an option tyre for practice and qualifying only will give the teams, TOCA and Goodyear valuable information to shape tyre allocations for future seasons.

“Our approach is guided by extensive experience and countless hours of running at the circuit. We also enforce specific pressure and camber settings to ensure optimal performance and safety across all sessions.”

Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend in the NASCAR races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, and at the NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 13, 14, and 15
Track: Thruxton (2.36 miles: 5 left turns, 7 right turns)
Location: Hampshire, England
Date/Time: Sunday, July 26, 11:45 BST (R1) / 14:40 BST (R2) / 17:30 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Hard (standard) / Eagle Medium (option, qualifying only) 
Previous usage this season: Eagle Hard (Oulton Park); Eagle Soft (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton, Oulton Park); Eagle Medium (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton)
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 28 (16 Eagle Hard / 4 Eagle Medium / 8 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit
Goodyear Tyre Technical Guidelines For Teams

At Oulton Park, drivers will have access to the Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard compound for the first time this season. This will be the optional tyre while the Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound will serve as the standard tyre across the weekend. As well as the slick tyres used in dry conditions, teams also have access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet racing conditions. 

As was the case at Brands Hatch Indy and Snetterton, regulations permit teams to deploy a maximum of two sets of their carryover tyres from previous rounds.

Oulton Park’s notoriously narrow, undulating layout features high-intensity sections, such as the plunge down The Avenue through Dentons and into Cascades, putting increased loads through the left-hand tyres. Getting superb traction out of the hairpin and Knickerbrook will also be crucial for drivers to gain vital fractions of a second for the climbs through Hilltop and Clay Hill.

“Oulton Park remains a famously unforgiving circuit, with little respite for our Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “Teams will need to carefully think about tyre temperatures and traction around the lap to optimise their race strategies. 

“For the first time this season, teams have the option to use all three compounds across the weekend. This will enable more complex and diverse tyre strategies to unfold in all three races. Teams will need to use the Goodyear Racing Eagle Hard compound in one race, which means we will see a lot of soft compound running in other sessions. This will create an interesting contrast for drivers racing each other on two very different tyres.”

Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend in the NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway, and at the NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway. 

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 10, 11, and 12
Track: Oulton Park (Island Circuit) (2.26 miles: 3 left turns, 6 right turns)
Location: Cheshire, England
Date/Time: Sunday, June 7, 12:25 BST (R1) / 14:55 BST (R2) / 17:20 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Soft (standard) / Eagle Hard (option) 
Previous usage this season: Eagle Hard (first use); Eagle Soft (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton); Eagle Medium (Donington Park, Brands Hatch Indy, Snetterton)
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 24 (12 Eagle Soft / 4 Eagle Hard / 8 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit
 

This weekend, each driver will be allocated three sets of the Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound as the standard tyre, and one set of the Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound as the option tyre.

Teams may also choose to carry over up to two sets of either the Eagle Soft or Eagle Medium compounds from Brands Hatch Indy or Donington Park. As well as the slick tyres used in dry conditions, teams also have access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet racing conditions.

The Snetterton circuit boasts two of the longest straights in the country and a technical infield section that requires heavy braking, causing faster heat generation and stress on tyres that will call for teams to think carefully about how to use their tyre allocations. 

The turns themselves are varied, from the harsh braking in the Montreal hairpin turn to the high-commitment, long, sweeping turn of Coram causing sustained load on the tyres. Unlike last year, teams will not have access to the Eagle Hard compound at Snetterton, so will need to adapt their approaches and possibly make use of some of their carryover tyres.

“Snetterton is the longest track on the BTCC calendar and follows Brands Hatch Indy, the shortest track of the season, so we can expect to see a different racing style this weekend,” said Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “The longer lap grants drivers more opportunities for strategic positioning and slipstreaming along the straights, and the tyre allocations for this race have been intentionally selected to encourage close racing.

“Last season, we offered the Eagle Hard compound as the option tyre, but this weekend, teams will not have access to this compound. The aim is to reduce lap time deltas between cars and help keep the racing as close as possible. Teams will also have the option to use carryover tyres from previous rounds, adding another layer of strategy. We expect most teams to bring forward one set of Eagle Softs and one set of Eagle Mediums this weekend.”

Across the Atlantic, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend in the NASCAR races at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 7, 8, and 9
Track: Snetterton Circuit (2.97 miles: 5 left turns, 7 right turns)
Location: Norfolk, England
Date/Time: Sunday May 24, 11:30 BST (R1) / 14:30 BST (R2) / 17:20 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Soft (standard) / Eagle Medium (option) 
Previous usage: Eagle Medium (standard) / Eagle Soft (option) at Donington Park National; Eagle Soft (standard) / Eagle Medium (option) at Brands Hatch Indy
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 24 (12 Eagle Soft / 4 Eagle Medium / 8 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit

For the 2026 season, Goodyear will introduce a new truck racing tyre incorporating 60% sustainable materials¹, up from 55% in the previous season. This reflects Goodyear’s ongoing commitment with the FIA to improve tire sustainability year after year in top‑level truck racing. Based on Goodyear’s internal sustainability classification framework, a tyire incorporating 60% or more sustainable materials is assigned a two-leaf rating (with one leaf assigned to tyres below this threshold).

In addition to this technical development, Goodyear will introduce the Wingfoot Award in the Goodyear FIA ETRC. One Wingfoot Award will be presented at each race event during the 2026 season. The award will recognize a driver selected by fans. The Wingfoot Award is designed to further engage fans throughout the season while highlighting performances and moments that reflect the values of the championship.

FIA Truck Racing Commission President Ignacio Fernandez said: “We are delighted to be working so closely with Goodyear, not only as a valued title partner and supplier, but as an organisation with sustainability at its heart. To be able to count on a tyre that incorporates 60 percent sustainable materials and has been designed to meet the requirement of a single tyre type, able to perform consistently across a wide range of circuits and weather conditions, and one with improved durability to reduce tyre use without performance being compromised, is very significant for the Goodyear FIA ETRC and motorsport as a whole.”

“Truck racing continues to be an important development platform for Goodyear,” said Xavier Fraipont, Vice President, Global Racing, at Goodyear. “The Goodyear FIA ETRC’s learnings are translated from competition into tyre technologies that support greater efficiency and sustainability for commercial truck fleets operating on the road every day.”

Goodyear has been involved in European truck racing for more than two decades and has served as title sponsor of the Goodyear FIA ETRC since 2022.

Sustainability efforts within the Goodyear FIA ETRC also include the retreading of race‑used tyres, which are processed in Goodyear factories in Europe and reintroduced into commercial service, supporting a circular use of resources from the racetrack to the road.

The Goodyear FIA ETRC 2026 season gets underway at Misano, Italy, on May 30–31.

[1] Goodyear defines sustainable material as a bio-based (defined as material of biological origin (Source: ISO 14021)); renewable; or recycled (defined as material that has been reprocessed from recovered [reclaimed] material (Source: ISO 14021)) material; or one produced using or contributing to other practices designed to promote resource conservation and/or emissions reductions, including ISCC PLUS mass-balance (defined as a certification verifying our capability to track the amount and sustainability characteristics of circular and/or bio-based material in the value chain and attribute it based on verifiable bookkeeping (Source: www.iscc-system.org/certification/chain-of-custody/mass-balance/)) material.

This weekend, each driver will be allocated three sets of the Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound as the standard tyre, and one set of the Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound as the option tyre.

The Indy circuit’s constantly turning nature is demanding on tyres, with even the start-finish Brabham Straight sitting on a bend. This track results in more load on the left side tyres, requiring teams to strategically choose how to use the different compounds allocated across the weekend.

“Even though Brands Hatch Indy is one of the shortest laps on the calendar, it is relentless, as its constantly-turning layout places high loads on the left-hand side of the car,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “This year, we’ve again nominated the Eagle Soft compound as standard, but, changing from last season, we are not bringing the Eagle Hard.

“BTCC has a distinctly close racing style, so by allocating the Eagle Medium as the option compound, we aim to reduce lap time deltas between cars and help ensure the racing remains as close as possible.”

For the first time this season, strategy will be further shaped by the availability of carryover tyres from the opening round at Donington Park. Teams may choose up to two sets of either the Eagle Soft or Eagle Medium compounds from Donington, but the medium compound - which will be the more popular carryover choice for this event - can only be used during free practice sessions.

Butler adds: “The tyre carryover strategy comes into play from this point, as drivers may start opting to hold onto certain compounds for use later in the season. It’s a long game!”

In addition to the slick tires used in dry conditions, teams will also have access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, which feature a tread pattern designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet conditions in the event of inclement weather.

Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend at the FIA World Endurance Championship 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races at Watkins Glen International.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 4, 5, and 6
Track: Brands Hatch (Indy layout) (1.21 miles: 2 left turns, 5 right turns)
Location: Kent, England
Date/Time: Sunday May 10, 11:30 BST (R1) / 14:45 BST (R2) / 17:30 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, BTCC YouTube channel, Racer Network (US)

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Soft (standard) / Eagle Medium (option) 
Previous usage: Eagle Medium (standard) / Eagle Soft (option) at Donington Park National
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 24 (12 Eagle Soft / 4 Eagle Medium / 8 carryover)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit

With a new design highlighted by a high-contrast sidewall and coverage now extending up to 23-inch rim diameters, Vector All Season 4 unlocks premium, year-round capability and convenience for vehicle segments that until now had no all-season solution available.

Doubt Nothing – Grip the Moment

Goodyear Vector All Season 4 delivers optimized performance in all conditions, from dry roads to rain and light snow, and carries the European Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification. Developed using Goodyear’s latest technologies and dedicated materials, the tyre delivers a carefully balanced combination of capabilities without compromising any single performance area. This enables the tyre to adapt to changing temperatures, road conditions, and driving styles, for reliable year-round performance.

Independent test results further confirm the performance of Vector All Season 4. In a TÜV SÜD test commissioned by Goodyear, the tyre emerged as a well-balanced product[2] according to Goodyear’s internal analysis of the TÜV test results, demonstrating consistently strong performance across all evaluated performance criteria. Its performance was also recognized by AutoBild, which awarded the tyre an “Exemplary” rating[3], underlining its strengths as a reliable, well-rounded all‑season solution.

WeatherReady™ Technology

The tyre’s uncompromised all-season performance is built on WeatherReady™ Technology, Goodyear’s new engineering foundation for all-season capability. It combines three advanced technologies: Dry Contact Plus, 3D Blade Sipe System and a new compound formula to deliver confident performance across changing conditions.

·        Certain when it counts: A new tread pattern and optimized block design support confident grip across seasons and road conditions.

·        Effortless control in dry and wet: An enhanced footprint during braking delivers excellent dry and wet performance.

·        Efficient and refined drive: A new compound formula improves tread wear and rolling resistance, supporting extended mobility range – perfectly suited for EVs.

Built for Premium Fitments

Designed for today’s heavier, more powerful, and increasingly electrified vehicles, Vector All Season 4 responds to the evolving demands of the modern vehicle parc with broader fitment and enhanced capability.

By 2026, the lineup will include 96 SKUs across rim diameters from 16 to 23 inches, with 66% of the range in 19 inches and above. This broader coverage marks a significant step for the all-season segment, allowing more drivers and a wider variety of vehicles to rely on an all-season tyre solution for the first time. Models such as Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Porsche Panamera and Macan, as well as Audi A6 e-tron, Q7 and SQ7, can now combine confident all-season performance with the convenience of year-round versatility.

This range expansion reflects both growing all-season demand[4] and an evolving vehicle parc. Between 2022 and 2025, sales of 19-inch and above all-season tyres increased by more than 20%[5] per year, underscoring the shift toward larger rim sizes and highlighting the need for broader all-season fitment coverage.

Unapologetic Aesthetic – A Refined Premium Design

For fitments of 19 inches and above, Vector All Season 4 features an exclusive laser-engraved sidewall. The finish reinforces a powerful, premium appearance – enhancing the visual presence of modern performance and luxury vehicles, whether in motion or at a standstill.

“Goodyear has played a defining role in shaping the all-season category since its very beginnings, starting with the launch of Goodyear Tiempo in 1977 – the world’s first all-season tyre,” says Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA. “As we approach the 50-year anniversary of that milestone next year, Vector All Season 4 represents the next step in how we continue to redefine the all-season category. By raising all‑season performance and expanding the range to meet the demands of today’s premium and electric vehicles, we are making it easier than ever for more drivers to rely on a single tyre solution throughout the year.”

[1] https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-vector-4seasons-gen-3-achieves-top-rating--in-latest-adac-test/, https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-vector-4seasons-gen-3-awarded-test-winner-by-adac/, https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-vector-4seasons-gen-3-wins-auto-bilds-all-season-tyre-test/

[2] Compared to average performance of the four most recent available models at the time of testing from the main competitors in the All-Season Segment (Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6, Continental AllSeasonContact 2, Michelin CrossClimate 2, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3). Tested by TÜV SÜD Product Service GmbH in November – December 2024 by order of Goodyear. Tyre Size: 205/55R16 94V XL; Test Car: VW Golf VIII 1.5TSI, Skoda Superb 1.5TSI (PBN); Test Locations: GPG Mireval (F), UniBW Neubiberg (D), Arctic Center Saariselkä (FIN), TÜV SÜD Product Service Garching (D). Report No. 713349044-PM. Full report available at: https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/tyre-test-reports.html#tabs-5aee07366f-item-e41c871169-tab

[3] AutoBild (D), 2026/04/29, comparing 5 all-season tyres in size 225/40R18.

[4] Tyres Europe Quarterly Update Q4 & Full Year 2025: https://tyreseurope.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Tyres-Europe-Quarterly-Update-2025-Q4-1.1.pdf

[5] GfK an NIQ Company. GfK Panelmarket EU10 + TK data, 2022–2025.

Spanning Ultra High Performance (UHP), High Performance (HP) and SUV segments, the range is designed to provide a balanced summer driving experience where it truly counts, energy efficiency, confident wet braking and long-lasting tread wear. Its range is engineered to work hard, keep its grip and go the distance day after day.

The launch of Cooper Summer coincides with the rollout of Cooper’s bold new global brand identity. Rooted in more than a century of proven dependability and refreshed for today’s drivers, the new look reflects what Cooper has always stood for: rugged reliability, hard‑earned confidence and products that prove themselves on the road.

Designed for drivers who value strength and balance over empty claims Cooper Summer covers 162 SKUs across rim diameters from 14" to 21", addressing 81% of the most in-demand fitments in EMEA. EV ready across the portfolio, the new range reinforces Cooper’s commitment to durable engineering, delivering dependable performance on every journey.

Built to deliver what matters, mile after mile

Cooper Summer is engineered around three core benefits drivers expect from a summer tire they can trust: energy efficiency, confident wet braking, and long-lasting tread wear. From casing and compound to tread pattern, each element is designed to work together—no gimmicks, just well‑balanced engineering that holds up in the real world.

Energy Efficiency: Performance that doesn’t waste effort

Cooper Summer is built to be efficient, whatever the length of the journey.

• A lightweight, optimized casing uses advanced materials to help reduce rolling resistance while maintaining stability at higher speeds.
• Carefully controlled rubber distribution, helping vehicles roll more efficiently and supporting EV readiness across the range.

Wet Braking: Confidence when conditions turn

Summer roads don’t always stay dry. Cooper Summer is designed to deliver dependable braking when grip matters most.

• An advanced asymmetric tread pattern maximizes contact with the road, supported by enlarged outer shoulder blocks that help enhance braking stability.
• Well-distributed grooves evacuate water quickly, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and maintaining control in sudden summer downpours.

Tread Wear: Built to last Strong mileage is an important aspect of the tire, so performance holds up over time, not just on day one.

• Stiffer ribs and a balanced footprint promote even pressure distribution, reducing irregular wear.
• The compound architecture maintains tread stiffness throughout the tire’s life, helping preserve braking performance and handling consistency.
• Durable construction supports long service life without sacrificing comfort or refinement.

“With the Cooper Summer range, we set out to build a summer portfolio drivers can rely on without hesitation” said Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA

. “We engineered this portfolio around three benefits that matter most—energy efficiency, confident wet braking and strong tread wear—and made sure every element of the tire works together to support them. From the asymmetric tread pattern to the lightweight yet robust casing, Cooper Summer delivers balanced performance without compromise. It’s a significant step forward for Cooper in EMEA, and a clear expression of what the brand stands for today: dependable performance, built with purpose.”

Independent Validation

Independent testing further underlines the balanced performance of Cooper Summer. In a recent summer tire test conducted by leading German publication Auto Motor und Sport (AMS)* in size 195/55R16, the Cooper Summer tire was awarded 7th place and rated “Good.” Editors praised the tire’s “safe, precise and reliable handling characteristics on both wet and dry roads,” highlighting very good aquaplaning protection and good rolling comfort**. Tested against a mixed field of competitors, Cooper Summer demonstrated its ability to compete effectively within the value segment—delivering dependable, real-world performance where it counts.

Comprehensive Market Coverage

The Cooper Summer portfolio offers:

• 162 SKUs for Passenger and SUV
• 14"–21" rim diameters
• 165–285 mm widths
• 30–70 aspect ratios
• H, V, W and Y speed ratings

With its wide coverage, Cooper Summer is ready to support dealers through the 2026 summer season and beyond, proof that Cooper continues to deliver tough, well‑engineered products built to meet real‑world demands.

*AMS tested eight mixed summer tyres in 195/55R16 in March 2026. Testing took place at the Goodyear Mireval Proving Grounds, covering wet and dry handling, braking, aquaplaning, noise, and rolling resistance. The test car was a Hyundai i20 / Hyundai Inster.  

**Auto Motor und Sport, March 2026. Comments translated from original German.

The offer runs nationwide until 15th July and with a wide selection of different tyres available within the offer, Dunlop and Avon are providing cashback to adventure bikers, street cruisers and track day goers alike.

Dunlop and Avon have decades of heritage to bear in crafting tyres that deliver the value, confidence, styling and, above all, the performance to deliver the perfect ride. Riders seeking to get a new set of tyres for the new season can claim the following:

• £40 cashback on a pair of Dunlop RoadSmart IV, SportSmart TT and Mutant tyres
• £30 cashback on a pair of Dunlop SportSmart mk4, Trailmax Meridian and Trailmax Raid tyres
• £20 cashback on a pair of Dunlop Qualifier Core tyres
• £30 cashback on a pair of Avon 3D Supersport, Spirit ST or Cobra Chrome tyres

This year, the offer has been extended to allow Dunlop customers at Adventure Bike Rider Festival (26-28th June) to take advantage of the deal. Dunlop will return to Europe’s largest adventure motorcycle festival to offer expert advice and will also provide an on-site tyre fitting service, delivered in partnership with fully licensed provider Holbeach Motorcycle Tyres. Customers at the event will also be able to take advantage of the offer.

Dunlop and Avon’s cashback campaign runs nationwide until 15th July 2026. For more information about Dunlop discounts, please visit: https://www.dunlopmotorewards.eu/en_GB. For more information about Avon discounts, please visit: https://www.avonmotorewards.eu/en_GB.

At Donington, teams will be supplied with four sets of the ‘standard’ Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium compound, and one set of the ‘option’ Goodyear Racing Eagle Soft compound. All rounds this season will feature both the ‘standard’ and a single set of the ‘option’ compound tyres, with the latter mandated for use in any one of the three races during each race weekend.

But the revised weekend session format, which now features a single free practice session followed by qualifying and the ‘Race to Pole’ on Saturday, is expected to have the biggest impact on tyre strategy this season.

“This season, teams will have more preparation to do, but less time to do it in,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader. “The changes put a lot of pressure on drivers to make the most of free practice, as it’s the only real opportunity to understand how the tyres are working before dialling in a setup that needs to perform in qualifying and the Race to Pole. 

“Typically, teams will add a degree or even a degree and a half of extra negative camber for qualifying to maximise one-lap performance. However, with parc fermé conditions in place between qualifying and the Race to Pole, what will make a strong strategy is finding a setup that works across both sessions, or choosing to favour one and accepting a compromise in the other. That’s where tyre management and understanding how the different compounds behave will be key.”

In addition to the slick tires used in dry conditions, teams will also have access to Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyres, which feature a tread pattern designed to disperse surface water and provide grip in wet conditions in the event of inclement weather.

Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres are also in action this weekend at the FIA World Endurance Championship opening 6 Hours of Imola, and in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Kansas Speedway.

Fast Facts
Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship
Race: Rounds 1, 2 and 3
Track: Donington Park (National layout) (1.98 miles: 4 left turns, 6 right turns)
Location: Leicestershire, England
Date/Time: Sunday April 19, 11:30 BST (R1) / 14:40 BST (R2) / 17:30 BST (R3)
TV/Radio: ITV4, ITVX, ITV Sport YouTube channel, BTCC YouTube channel

Tyre: Goodyear Racing Eagle
Tyre Specification: Eagle Soft (option) / Eagle Medium (standard)
Previous usage: First use this season
Tyre Measurements: (width mm / diameter mm / rim size in): 265/660R18 (front and rear)
Total Dry Weather Tyres: 20 (4 Eagle Soft / 16 Eagle Medium)
Total Wet Weather Tyres: No limit

The Goodyear Blimp is expected to make its first appearance of the season above in the skies of opening FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) race, offering fans a spectacular sight above the track.

For generations of fans, the Goodyear Blimp has been synonymous with major sporting moments and has become a powerful symbol of Goodyear’s heritage in racing. The planned appearances at the FIA WEC races will give fans attending the events, and those watching around the world, a chance to spot the famous airship overhead as it captures aerial views, adding to the excitement of race weekend.

“The Goodyear Blimp is one of the most iconic symbols in racing”, said Jan-Piet van Kesteren, Managing Director EMEA & Chief Sales Officer EMEA Consumer. “Seeing it fly above in the skies of several main FIA WEC races is always a special moment for fans. We are excited to bring the Goodyear Blimp back to European skies and share that experience with racing audiences across the region.’”

The 2026 tour coincides with a milestone year for Goodyear in Europe, marking 75 years of operations in Luxembourg. In addition to manufacturing high quality tires, Luxembourg is also home to Goodyear’s second Innovation Centre, and the only one outside of the United States. From this base, Goodyear continues to develop technologies and partnerships that power some of the world’s greatest motorsport competitions.

Fans attending FIA WEC races throughout the season should keep their eyes on the sky as the Goodyear Blimp makes appearances at select events across Europe.

Follow the Goodyear Blimp’s journey and latest updates at GoodyearBlimp.com and across Goodyear’s social media channels.

For over 100 years, Cooper has earned the trust of drivers who demand more from their tires—and themselves.  This heritage runs through the new identity, which pairs Cooper’s proven DNA with a modern aesthetic. The result is a look that signals strength, purpose, and confidence.

BUILT FOR THE DRIVER WHO GETS THE JOB DONE

The new visual brand system includes updates to its brand marks, a refined color palette, and a more contemporary design language intended to help the brand cut through in crowded retail environments and digital marketplaces.

The new assets will enhance the Cooper logo, returning to the icons that made Cooper legendary:

In the 1940’s the Armored Cord tire made Cooper’s name in the industry. This technological innovation inspired the use of a knight’s helm into the brand logo, the brand refresh pays tribute to this iconic symbol; reborn, sharpened and ready to lead the brand into its next era.

Joining the knight is a new figure central to the brand’s story: the American grey wolf. Fierce, adaptable, and always prepared for the terrain ahead, the wolf mirrors the spirit of Cooper drivers and the capability of Cooper products. Native to Ohio, just like Cooper, the wolf embodies determination, wittiness and ruggedness.

Both the knight and wolf will be visible across brand assets and hero brand moments.

Cooper’s refreshed design comes with a powerful new color system rooted in history and built for visibility:

Valor Green draws from Cooper’s long heritage of designing products built for demanding conditions and the natural landscapes where they’re used. It represents durability, expertise, and a connection to the outdoors. It’s a modern expression of the environments Cooper tires are made to tackle — a reminder that the brand helps drivers go farther, explore more, and trust the ground beneath them.

A heritage orange accent color originates from the early days of the Cooper brand, signaling energy and unmistakable character.

The palette also leans into nature which is at the heart of the Cooper brand.

Consumers will also note changes in typography, photography and illustration in the new brand identity.

“This new identity reflects what Cooper Tires stands for today — a trusted, quality tire brand with a strong global footprint,” said Jan-Piet van Kesteren, Managing Director EMEA & Chief Sales Officer EMEA Consumer. “As part of the Goodyear family, Cooper is better positioned than ever to serve drivers with products that deliver durable performance, and our refreshed brand system helps communicate that story more clearly and consistently.”

“We’ve kept what people value about Cooper, no-nonsense performance and character, and made it even easier to spot in a crowded market,” added van Kesteren. “This identity isn’t decoration; it’s a working tool for our drivers, dealers and partners.”

The refresh was created in collaboration with Publicis P1T Crew, creatively led by BBH USA.

GLOBAL ROLLOUT

Consumers will begin seeing the new brand from March 2026, including:

• Cooper website updates across the globe
• Cooper social channels updating identity and content
• Paid media activity launching in selected markets

Additional touchpoints such as retail POS will transition over time to ensure a consistent experience globally for consumers.

For more information on Cooper Tires, visit https://www.coopertire.co.uk/ 

Over the past two decades, Goodyear and TIP Group have worked side by side to support demanding fleet operations across Europe. Goodyear has consistently supplied reliable, high-performance tire solutions from its leading commercial ranges, tailored to the operational requirements of TIP’s fleets and the evolving expectations of its customers. 

As market conditions and regulatory requirements continue to change, sustainability has become an increasingly important focus of the partnership. Through the introduction of Goodyear’s latest generation of commercial truck tires, including the new KMAX GEN-3 range, TIP Group can offer its customers tires made with at least 40% sustainable materials¹- all while maintaining the durability fleets rely on, combined with B-label rolling resistance to support improved fuel efficiency².  

Beyond tire supply, the partnership also includes the provision of services across Europe through more than 2,000 Goodyear TruckForce Network locations, to help TIP Group minimize unplanned breakdowns, optimize tire performance and keep vehicles on the road which is a critical factor for transport operators.  

Together, these elements contribute to TIP Group’s broader ESG ambitions, supporting more sustainable fleet operations without compromising operational efficiency or customer value. 

At the same time, TIP Group continues to actively respond to market challenges by modernising its fleet and service offering. The company has been investing in sustainable fleet solutions, advanced telematics and refurbishment capabilities, helping customers extend asset life, improve compliance and reduce their overall environmental footprint. In this context, Goodyear’s retreading solutions help extend tire life cycles, reducing waste and supporting a more efficient use of resources, while also helping to manage costs³. 

“This partnership is built on trust, long-term thinking and a deep understanding of the transport fleet market” said Piotr Czyżyk, Vice President Commercial Sales EMEA at Goodyear. “For 20 years, we have worked closely with TIP Group to deliver reliable products, innovative fleet solutions and retreading services that help keep their customers moving. Extending our agreement for another five years reflects our shared commitment to performance, efficiency and sustainability - and to continuously evolving together as market expectations change.” 

“Our collaboration with Goodyear is a strong example of how strategic partnerships can create real value for fleet operators,” said Paul Beadle, COO at TIP Group. “Managing more than 90,000 trucks, trailers and specialised assets across Europe means reliability is critical, which is why we value long-term partners like Goodyear. By combining high-performance tires and mobility solutions with our operational experience, we deliver more efficient and more sustainable fleet solutions – and ultimately more value for our customers.”  

As long-term partners and industry leaders, Goodyear and TIP Group work closely together, listening to each other and turning their combined expertise into solutions that keep transport operations running smoothly and delivering real value for end customers. 

1. Goodyear defines a sustainable material as bio-based (originating from biological sources); renewable (composed of replenishable biomass); or recycled (reprocessed from reclaimed materials) material as defined in ISO 14021; or one produced using or contributing to other practices designed to promote resource conservation and/or emissions reductions.

2. In comparison to predecessor, based on internal Goodyear data, https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/truck/knowledge-centre/kmax-gen-3.html

3. https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/truck/retreading-regrooving.html

The new range continues to deliver class-leading mileage compared to its predecessors with improved traction, while also offering up to 13% improved rolling resistance[1] and being made with at least 40%[2] sustainable materials — all while maintaining the durability fleets rely on. With a strong focus on reducing Total Cost of Ownership, using KMAX GEN-3 helps drive reduced operational costs, with potential yearly fuel saving of up to 1236€ per vehicle[3].

With continued advancements in the tread compound and tyre design, Goodyear’s KMAX GEN-3 lineup brings a significant step forward in lowering rolling resistance while ensuring the highest mileage and performance within KMAX range. This allows more fleets to switch to fuel-efficient tyres — without compromising on traction or durability.

The new Goodyear KMAX GEN-3 lineup includes the KMAX S GEN-3 for the steer axle, the KMAX D GEN-3 for the drive axle, and the KMAX T GEN-3 for the trailer axle.

Each tyre in the range is designed to deliver exceptional mileage, now with improved efficiency compared to its predecessor thanks to reduced rolling resistance — supporting fleet performance across long haul, regional, and urban routes.

“With Goodyear KMAX GEN-3, we have taken a range known by our customers for its outstanding mileage and improved fuel efficiency without compromising performance, enabling our customers to confidently face their daily challenges,” said Xavier Fraipont, Vice President Commercial PBU EMEA at Goodyear. “By combining innovative tread compounds, EV readiness, and digital traceability, this range helps our fleet customers reduce further operating costs while moving toward more sustainable transport solutions.”

Innovation driving efficiency

All Goodyear KMAX GEN-3 tyres include:

• Ecoready Technology: Tyres made with more than 40% sustainable materials[4] are marked with the ECOREADY TECHNOLOGY logo[5]. The KMAX GEN-3 tyres include Rice Husk Ash Silica (RHAS), with its sustainable content attributed through the Mass Balance approach[6].
• RFID Tags: Integrated RFID chips allow precise digital tyre identification, simplifying connectivity with fleet tyre management and tracking systems.

Steer and Drive tyres from the new lineup feature full silica tread cap compound, which helps long-term durability by increasing resistance to abrasion and maintaining a low running temperature contributing to lower rolling resistance and then fuel consumption.

The steer and drive tyres in the range are also Electric Drive Ready, making them suitable for diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles. With enhanced load capacity and higher tread stiffness, the tyres are optimized to handle the added weight and torque of EVs, while supporting extended battery autonomy through lower rolling resistance.

Introducing KMAX GEN-3 range further enhances the versatility of Goodyear’s truck tyre portfolio, making it suitable for an even wider spectrum of applications and operational challenges. It reflects Goodyear’s continued commitment to staying close to its customers and offering a comprehensive, future-ready product range that meets the evolving needs of modern fleets.

“By helping to reduce total cost of ownership, Goodyear KMAX GEN-3 exemplifies our continuous commitment to evolving premium products that meet real-world fleet needs — delivering proven mileage performance with up to 13% improved rolling resistance supporting measurable fuel savings and helping to possibly reduce CO₂ emissions for fleet operators” – adds Maciej Szymański, Marketing Director Commercial PBU EMEA at Goodyear.

To explore the full KMAX GEN-3 range, including available sizes and detailed benefits, visit https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/truck/knowledge-centre/kmax-gen-3.html

[1] in comparison to predecessor, based on internal Goodyear data

[2] Except for the 445/65R22.5 size, due to its light mixed-service application requiring a specific compound.

[3] Savings per vehicles combination (tractor+semi-trailer), based on internal Goodyear calculation considering official rolling resistance values of KMAX GEN-3 vs. KMAX GEN-2 tyres. Average fuel consumption 27l/100km, fuel price 1.6€ / liter, average mileage 100,000 km/year. Actual savings may vary based on including, but not limited to vehicle condition and maintenance, traffic conditions, driver behaviour and other factors.

[4] Goodyear defines a sustainable material as bio-based (originating from biological sources); renewable (composed of replenishable biomass); or recycled (reprocessed from reclaimed materials) material as defined in ISO 14021; or one produced using or contributing to other practices designed to promote resource conservation and/or emissions reductions.

[5] All KMAX T GEN-3 trailer tyres are stamped with the ECOREADY logo and one leaf, except for the 445/65R22.5 size, due to its light mixed-service application requiring a specific compound.

[6] Goodyear applies the ISCC  PLUS sustainability certification system and mass-balance approach to support transparency and accountability in tracking the sustainable materials throughout the supply chain.

The Peugeot Polygon is designed to adapt to a range of driving styles through three distinct configurations, Urban, Player and Explorer, and Goodyear’s tires and solutions are uniquely designed to support the vehicle’s purpose.

The collaboration marks a milestone moment and a bold move toward seamless connectivity between vehicle and tire, delivering enhanced safety, performance, and driver confidence.

Goodyear SightLine Technology: Intelligence at Every Turn

Goodyear SightLine is a proprietary suite of smart tire technologies that provides real-time insights for safety and performance improvements in vehicles, from tire properties estimation, tire health information to road conditions. These insights can be displayed directly on the driver’s heads-up display, ensuring clarity and control throughout every journey, or it can be integrated into other advanced systems of a vehicle, allowing it to mitigate situations that are driver dependent today.

Across all Polygon configurations, SightLine features are accessible from the cockpit, offering:

• Tire Maintenance: Integrated tire wear monitoring enables vehicles to automatically adjust performance settings as tires age—helps ensuring optimal handling and safety throughout their lifecycle.

• Safe Driving: SightLine predicts and detects aquaplaning risks, allowing vehicle control systems to respond instantly and maintain stability, even in challenging conditions.

Goodyear delivers insightful journeys to Polygon drivers thanks to its integration with Peugeot Drive-by-Wire technology.

Ben Glesener, senior technology director, Product Development, Consumer EMEA, commented:

“SightLine represents more than technology—it’s a vision for connected mobility. By partnering with Peugeot, we are envisioning an ecosystem where tires become active contributors to vehicle intelligence, shaping a smarter future.”

Already available in several global markets, Goodyear SightLine is not just a concept—it’s a proven smart tire service ready for real-world applications.

Goodyear Tires: Built for Today’s Roads and Tomorrow’s Possibilities

As part of this visionary collaboration, Goodyear engineered three unique tires—each custom-designed to match the aesthetic and performance needs of the Polygon’s configurations:          

·        The Urban and Player tires feature the legendary Eagle F1 tread pattern, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2025—a symbol of high-performance heritage.

·        The Explorer tire pays tribute to the iconic Goodyear Wrangler, incorporating its rugged tread design to deliver traction to unleash unforgettable off-road experiences.

Beyond performance, the sidewall designs were crafted to visually express a new era of automotive innovation using coloring and laser technologies —where tire aesthetics and functionality converge to push the boundaries of design. 

This collaboration showcases Goodyear’s long-standing expertise in combining craftmanship with premium manufacturing technologies to deliver the highest levels of customization from product performance to aesthetics.

Together, Goodyear and Peugeot are setting new trends and driving a new era—where every journey is smarter and more expressive.

Ingram narrowly beat rival Dan Cammish to the award by just eight points, after the NAPA Racing UK driver secured second place in today’s qualifying. The session also saw Daryl DeLeon (West Surrey Racing) take his second consecutive pole position to duly claim the round’s Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award recognises drivers for their performance in qualifying sessions throughout the BTCC season. Drivers receive a trophy at each round, in addition to competing for the season-long trophy. Points are awarded based on qualifying position, with the polesitter earning 20 points, second place 17, third 15, down to 1 point for 15th.

Tom Ingram has led the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings since taking pole position at Oulton Park in June, with his consistency in qualifying further underlined by another pole position at Croft, and three additional front-row starts at Snetterton, Thruxton and Donington Park GP. A perennial contender in recent years, having finished inside the top three of the standings every season since 2022, Ingram’s ability to extract the maximum from his Hyundai in qualifying was finally rewarded with the coveted season-long trophy for the first time.

Ingram’s superb campaign has not only delivered him the Goodyear Wingfoot Award, but sees him placed atop the drivers’ championship standings too. The title fight is set to be decided during tomorrow’s races, with the Hyundai driver leading NAPA Racing UK rival Ash Sutton by 33 points.

Speaking after winning the Goodyear Wingfoot Award, Ingram said: “It’s an important trophy to win. It’s the consistency of qualifying all year [that wins it]. It was a great job by the team and a really fast qualifying session. It’s easy to overlook [the award], but it’s an important one for the season. Our Saturday performances have become incredibly important over the last few years, so this trophy is definitely a good one to get.”

Mathias Kipp, Director Goodyear Racing EMEA, added: “Tom has shown tremendous qualifying pace throughout the season. With pole positions at Oulton Park and Croft, and consistently being at the sharp end of the grid, he’s proven himself to be one of the strongest qualifiers in the championship. This award is well-deserved and highlights the link between qualifying performance and championship contention.”

Goodyear has been the exclusive tyre supplier to the championship since 2020, providing all BTCC teams with its Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres and a dedicated on-site support team to help drivers extract maximum performance across the weekend.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award also exists in several other top series: the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, where drivers are rewarded based on a ‘driver of the day’ fan voting format that puts supporters at the heart of the action.

Goodyear returns as the Official Tyre Supplier for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship, kicking off the 30-round season at Donington Park on 18-19 April.
 

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

Brands Hatch’s full GP layout offers a fittingly dramatic backdrop to the final three races of the season, as drivers return to the Kent circuit after racing its shorter Indy layout in May. Tom Ingram (Team VERTU) heads into the final event with a 33-point lead over NAPA Racing UK championship rival Ash Sutton, so an exciting battle is promised across Sunday’s three races.

Goodyear will supply each driver with one set of its white-decalled soft compound tyres and two sets of the yellow-decalled medium compound this weekend, alongside three sets of carryover tyres from any previous event. This means teams will be free to choose the tyres of their preferred compound for qualifying, providing a strategic opportunity to optimise their performance across the weekend.

Brands Hatch GP is one of the fastest and most demanding venues on the BTCC calendar. The high-speed stretch from Hawthorn Bend through to Clearways puts enormous lateral loads through the tyres, while the circuit’s elevation changes and mix of slow and fast corners make up a finely balanced trade-off between traction and outright grip. This challenge is amplified by October’s notoriously unpredictable weather, which can change track conditions within a single lap.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains: “Brands Hatch GP is a fitting stage for the BTCC finale, and this weekend’s races will be a test of strategy and execution. Our tyre allocation means teams will need to make critical decisions about which compound to use in which session; some drivers have saved particular  carryover compounds for this event, so tyre strategy could very well decide the championship outcome. Goodyear’s role is to provide consistency and performance, and we’re proud that tyre strategy has been instrumental in keeping the title race wide open until the very last round.”

Speaking to Goodyear at the start of the season, local driver Tom Chilton (Team VERTU) highlighted the unique character of the circuit: “Brands Hatch is my local circuit. I love both layouts, but on the GP circuit the high-speed Hawthorn corner is my favourite. Because it’s such a fast track, we run a bit more front camber to cope with the load through the tyres. It’s a different setup philosophy to the Indy circuit, and you really need to get it right to extract maximum tyre performance.”

Goodyear Wingfoot Award championship still open at the season close

With only one qualifying session to go, the season-long Goodyear Wingfoot Award, which drivers have been accumulating points towards all season, is also still undecided. Tom Ingram and Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK) are still able to clinch the trophy on Saturday.

The championship is still open also due to the two championship contenders struggling with qualifying at the previous event at Silverstone, with Ingram only bringing home one point while Dan Cammish didn’t gain any. Ingram leads Cammish by 16 points in the season-long award standings, and with 20 points on offer for pole, either driver could bring home the 2025 trophy.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards qualifying performances, with drivers competing for a trophy at each round and accumulating points towards winning the  coveted overall trophy at the season’s end.

Last time out at Silverstone, and amidst unpredictable wet-dry conditions, Daryl DeLeon of West Surrey Racing managed to change tyres just at the perfect time to claim pole position and duly take the ninth Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy of the season.   

Track action at Brands Hatch GP begins on Saturday 4 October with qualifying, before Sunday’s three races bring the 2025 BTCC season to a conclusion on 5 October.
 

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

Founded in 1914, Cooper Tires has built more than a century of trust with drivers worldwide. Known for producing dependable tires that deliver on their promise—from rugged all-terrain products to everyday on-road performance—Cooper has consistently earned loyalty by standing up to the toughest driving conditions. This track record of reliability and performance is the foundation for Cooper Tires to now take on a more prominent role in Goodyear’s strategy in EMEA.

"Cooper Tires has long been known for its strength in the 4x4 and off-road segments in EMEA, and we’re excited to build on that foundation,” said Jan-Piet van Kesteren, Managing Director EMEA & Chief Sales Officer EMEA Consumer. “We are amplifying that success by offering Cooper customers a distinctive value proposition in EMEA, combining heritage, durability, and a renewed focus on market-specific needs.”

This evolution comes as Goodyear continues to refine its portfolio for long-term growth, ensuring every driver can find the right product to meet their needs—whether premium, value, or budget. Cooper’s broadened role underscores Goodyear’s commitment to ensuring each brand plays to its strengths and delivers real performance without compromise.

"Our portfolio is built on proven performance,” added van Kesteren. “With Goodyear prominent in the premium space and Cooper Tires continuing to demonstrate consistent quality and durability, we are confident in our ability to deliver the right products, at the right time, to the right markets across our region.”

Goodyear continues to work closely with its network of distributors and retailers to maximize growth and deliver performance-driven solutions. This announcement highlights the company’s focus on innovation, customer trust, and building on the heritage of its most reliable brands.

How to store your tyres off-season

As winter tyres are only used for certain periods of the year, its essential drivers know how to maximise their lifespan and performance during the off-season by following proper cleaning and storage procedures:

• Clean before storage: Wash tyres with warm, soapy water and allow them to fully dry to eliminate dirt and contaminants.
• Store in airtight bags: Place tyres in opaque, airtight bags (like lawn or leaf bags) to prevent the rubber compound from drying out. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. If this is not available, alternatively store them in the dark.
• Indoor, climate-controlled environment: Tyres are best stored indoors, away from sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Avoid direct contact with concrete- use a protective barrier like wood or store on commercial tyre racks to prevent excess moisture build-up.
• Proper stacking: For unmounted tyres, stack them sidewall to sidewall or store them individually in bags. Position tyres vertically (Sidewall to the bottom)

Rotation: Maximise mileage and performance

Regular tyre rotation is key to ensuring wear and extending tyre life. Goodyear recommends rotating your winter tyres according to your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines, looking at the mileage your car has covered, or alternatively, at the change of every season. This process ensures that wear is distributed evenly and ensures optimal handling and safety in winter conditions.

Checking wear and when to replace

• Check tread depth: Winter tyres lose effectiveness below 4mm tread depth. Inspect tread wear regularly and ensure there are no visible cracks, bulges, or embedded objects that could compromise performance.
• Use the right tyre for the season: Tyres should be switched to winter tyres as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C (45°F). Equally, when temperatures heat up to above 7°C, replace with summer or all-season tyres as the softer winter rubber will wear quickly and lose its grip in warmer weather.
• Replace old tyres: If tyres are heavily worn, damaged, or more than six years old, it’s time to invest in a new set for reliable winter performance.

Ben Glesener, Senior Director Technology Consumer EMEA at Goodyear, said: “Winter tyres are a crucial investment for safety during cold months, but proper maintenance is key to maximising their benefits. For drivers to maintain a confident grip and control throughout the season, knowing how to store, rotate and when to replace is vital. Goodyear is dedicated to supporting our customers with expert guidance and the highest-quality winter tyres designed for Europe’s toughest winter roads."

Find out more about Goodyear’s range of winter tyres here and all-season tyres here.

Drivers will receive one set of Goodyear's white-stickered soft compound tyres and two sets of the yellow-stickered medium compound tyres for the weekend races. Additionally, teams can deploy up to three sets of carryover tyres from previous events, with freedom of compound choice in qualifying.

Silverstone's compact national configuration creates a unique technical challenge, featuring predominantly right-hand corners with just one left-hander. This layout demands specialist setup approaches that maximise tyre performance through the circuit's distinctive characteristics.

Michael Butler, Goodyear's BTCC Event Leader, explains the weekend's strategic elements: "Silverstone presents one of our most fascinating technical challenges of the season. The circuit's right-hand bias means teams must optimise their Goodyear tyres for sustained lateral loading, particularly through the rapid section from Woodcote, through Copse, Maggotts and onto the Wellington Straight. The short lap time intensifies everything, so race strategies become even more critical.

"The carryover tyre freedom adds another compelling strategic dimension. Teams can select from their accumulated compound inventory and deploy these tactically in qualifying. With Silverstone notorious for producing some of the closest racing of the season, every marginal gain from tyre strategy could prove decisive."

Talking to Goodyear at the start of the season, Árón Taylor-Smith (TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK) explained Silverstone’s unique setup philosophy: "Silverstone is a really odd one. You only set the car up to turn right because there's only one left hander. You'll have loads of negative camber on the outside left for mid-corner grip, but the inside right will be stood upright for traction and braking. The setup is really different compared to any other track."

The intensity of racing at Silverstone amplifies the importance of tyre performance. Taylor-Smith described the racing dynamic: "To drive, I describe it as frantic because in a race, you're never more than a car length ahead or behind. You're always nose to tail because the simplicity of the track makes the racecraft that little bit more exciting. The racecraft is what makes or breaks you, and makes you win or lose."

Tom Chilton wins Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Donington GP

Tom Chilton (Team VERTU) managed to snatch pole last time out at Donington Park from his teammate Tom Ingram, who is currently leading the season-long Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings, and will look to strategically choose his tyres in Silverstone to extend his lead.

Being the penultimate round of the season, the battle for the Goodyear Wingfoot Award is even more fierce than in previous rounds, and the strategy around the free choice of carryover tyres in qualifying will make all the difference.

Tom Ingram will want to use his tyres strategically as he has the opportunity to bring the season-long Goodyear Wingfoot Award home at Silverstone. The Hyundai i30 star has led the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings since taking pole position at Oulton Park in June, and has maintained momentum through the season, not qualifying any lower than fourth position at any event so far this year. He leads the standings by 14 points from Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK) heading into the Silverstone weekend.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards the fastest qualifying lap at each round. Drivers accumulate points based on their qualifying results throughout the season, with the highest scorer ultimately crowned the 2025 Goodyear Wingfoot Award winner.

Track action at Silverstone kicks off on Saturday 20th September, ahead of the three races on Sunday 21st.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

As the brand continues to invest in this growing market segment, new original equipment (OE) fitments with leading manufacturers including Mercedes and Renault further reinforce the tire’s premium positioning. The tire is optimized for modern and electric vehicles such as the Kia EV3, Mercedes C-Class, Volvo XC40, and Audi e-tron, delivering low rolling resistance and reduced noise which are key characteristics for today’s mobility needs.

The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is certified with the European Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, offering exceptional performance in both summer and winter conditions. Its advanced tread pattern enhances grip on wet, snowy, and icy roads, while a versatile compound ensures reliable dry performance across a wide temperature range.

The tire also features Goodyear SealTech, a self-sealing technology that effectively seals tread penetrations of up to 5mm, helping the tire remain inflated until professionally inspected. Additionally, Goodyear SoundComfort Technology reduces interior noise by up to 50%², providing a quieter ride that’s especially beneficial for electric vehicles.

“The expansion of the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 range reflects Goodyear’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of drivers and vehicle manufacturers alike. The tire is now available to even more vehicles in the premium segment, combining cutting-edge technologies with year-round versatility to deliver a confident and comfortable driving experience” said Ben Glesener, Senior Director, Technology Consumer, EMEA, Goodyear.

“With its recent win in the ADAC all-season tire test³, the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 continues to prove that premium all-season tires are a great way to enhance every journey, all year round” concluded Ben.

1. Goodyear internal estimation based on 2023 vs 2024 tire market considering size and type, across segment and seasonality. Soft coverage on all segments Passenger/SUV/LT.
2. Depending on the type of vehicle, its speed and road surface. Based on internal vehicle road measurements, tested February 2018, January 2018, November 2017 and October 2011 by Goodyear engineers in Luxembourg. Tire size: 225/55R17 on VW Passat Alltrack and Ford Kuga and 255/45R18 on Audi A7.
3. https://news.goodyear.eu/goodyear-vector-4seasons-gen-3-achieves-top-rating--in-latest-adac-test/