Goodyear embarks on new era at the pinnacle of GT racing

2024 will be Goodyear’s biggest year in endurance racing since it returned in 2020. With the introduction of LMGT3 in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Goodyear Racing has spent months developing an advanced specification of tire for the exciting new category. 

Nine of the most recognisable brands in GT racing will battle around the world on some of motorsport’s most historic venues. At Le Mans in June, a total of 23 LMGT3 cars will be joined by 16 LMP2 machines with Goodyear as they chase the ultimate endurance racing crown.

Goodyear Racing began development for the brand-new LMGT3 category in 2022, where it started the process of developing a tire capable of catering to the diverse needs of a modern GT3 grid. During 2024, two specifications of dry tire and an advanced wet-weather tire will be used to cover for the entire season, from the extreme temperatures in Bahrain, to the relentless intensity of Qatar and the unpredictability of Spa-Francorchamps.

As the exclusive supplier to the LMGT3 category in WEC, Goodyear has reiterated its commitment to international motorsport. Endurance racing provides an invaluable test bed for developing the next generation of UUHP road tires and is an opportunity for Goodyear to showcase its technology and expertise.

The characteristics of LMGT3 mean it’s the most representative category when comparing the technologies that transfer into Goodyear’s range of UUHP tires for the road. Driver feedback is crucial for Goodyear Racing’s team of designers and engineers to develop a tire that excels on track

Driver feedback is pivotal to developing the best racing tire. During the last official Goodyear tire test before the season at Circuito Monteblanco in Spain, a group of WEC drivers gave their thoughts on the tire technology that they hope will take them to victory in 2024.

Veteran Porsche driver praises Goodyear’s development loop

Richard Lietz has been a factory Porsche driver since 2007, in which time he has competed in every Le Mans with the brand. Lietz knows exactly what drives a successful GT team, and was full of praise for Goodyear’s latest iteration of LMGT3 tire:

“The development loop from Goodyear has been amazing,” the four-time Le Mans winner explained. “They’ve done a great job of providing a tire for every manufacturer. The tire can handle a wide range of temperatures and starts without tire warmers. It’s the most difficult you can ask for and I think the tire we have now is a good starting point and we are very happy.”

Iron Dames’ Michelle Gatting already finding great confidence with Goodyear

2023 was a big year for Iron Dames. The team claimed a historic win by becoming the first ever all-female lineup to triumph in WEC during the 8 Hours of Bahrain. 

When asked about Goodyear’s involvement in the new era of GT racing, its driver Michelle Gatting explained: “With the new Goodyear tires the plan for next year is that drivers will have to double-stint the tires.

“The plan for 2024 of course is to think about the environment, be a bit more green. Of course this means using fewer tires. This is why Goodyear has provided a tire that can work for at least two hours.

“For sure it’s different [to what we’re used to], but Goodyear has done very well. We have a great feeling with the tire and it gives us confidence in the car.”

Drivers applaud Goodyear’s “mega” LMGT3 platform

British driver Ben Barker is set to race Ford’s latest GT3 with Proton Racing in 2024. Speaking at Monteblanco in November, Barker praised the progress Goodyear has made in a relatively short time: “The feeling [of the tire] is very much the same. The tire Goodyear has developed feels mega, to be honest, so I’m excited to try it more and at different circuits.”

Mike McGregor, Goodyear Racing’s Endurance Program Manager, adds: “Working alongside experienced drivers is an integral part of the tire development process. On-track testing allows us to calibrate thousands of hours of simulated data and take feedback from drivers on how we can improve the overall feel and confidence of the tire. 

“We’d like to thank the drivers and manufacturers for their cooperation and preparation this season, and we cannot wait to see them do battle this year.”