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.

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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.

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:

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:

Drivers will receive two sets of Goodyear's yellow-stickered medium compound tyres and one set of the red-stickered hard compound tyres for the weekend. These will be the choices for the races but a significant change is that carryover tyres from previous rounds, which include the white-stickered soft compound tyres, can be used in qualifying for the first time. 

The extended GP layout requires drivers to optimise their setups to handle the circuit's varied demands, making tyre strategy even more critical across the three races.

Michael Butler, Goodyear's BTCC Event Leader, previews the weekend: "Donington's GP configuration presents one of the season's most comprehensive challenges for our tyres. The extended layout features three significant heavy braking zones, including the Melbourne and Goddards Hairpins and the technical Fogarty Esses section, drivers will rely on the braking stability and high traction level of their chosen Goodyear tyres. 

“What makes this weekend particularly interesting from a strategic perspective is the free choice of carryover compounds. Teams can select any compound they've accumulated from previous events and deploy these strategically across practice and qualifying. These choices promise to add spice to the qualifying session.”

Rainford maintains momentum following Wingfoot Award success

Charles Rainford claimed his first Goodyear Wingfoot Award during the previous round at Knockhill. The 27-year-old’s pole position demonstrated the confidence to attack the kerbs and precision needed to extract maximum performance from Goodyear's soft compound tyres during qualifying.

Last year's race three winner at Donington GP, Dan Cammish, aims to close the seven point gap with Goodyear Wingfoot Award leader Tom Ingram. With free choice of carryover compounds available this weekend, he will be looking to challenge for pole position and the weekend's Wingfoot Award.

Cammish praised the balance achievable across all three compounds: "You actually get a very good balance across all three compounds. You don't have to change the car drastically, sometimes not much at all, from the soft to the hard. The balance remains relatively similar, it's just the grip level that goes up, how hard you can lean on the tyre. In the case of a soft, you can really almost overstep the mark and let the tyre sort it out for you. You can really attack and carry speed, hit the throttle hard and early, and just let the tyre grip bail you out. With the hard, you've got to be more respectful of its limits and drive to its strengths."

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.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

The spectacular Fife venue is known for its fast, flowing characteristics and unique series of twists, drops and climbs that test both drivers and tyre performance to the limit. 

Drivers will have three sets of Goodyear's white-walled soft compound tyres and one set of the yellow-walled medium compound allocated for the weekend. Drivers can also utilise up to two sets of carryover tyres from previous events, though the medium can only be deployed during Friday's practice sessions.

Michael Butler, Goodyear's BTCC Event Leader, explains: "Knockhill is like no other circuit we visit. It’s a very acrobatic circuit for drivers, characterised by its combination of high-speed kerb usage, dramatic elevation changes and the demanding section between Duffus Dip and the Chicane. To extract maximum performance, drivers must commit fully to attacking the kerbs throughout the lap, which can be a significant stress test on tyres. In particular, getting a perfect exit out of Taylor’s Hairpin and up the uphill traction zone towards the start/finish line can make or break lap times."

Several drivers up and down the grid place Knockhill amongst their favourite circuits. Reigning champion Jake Hill (Laser Tools Racing) has won four races at Knockhill in the last three seasons, and says the Fife track is the one he “looks forward to most” every season.

Adam Morgan (Team VERTU), a three-time podium sitter at Knockhill, echoes Hill’s sentiments about the excitement it brings, telling Goodyear: "I look forward to Knockhill every year. It's just one of those tracks where you can really attack kerbs and corners. You're up in the air, up on one wheel, or sometimes, no wheels at all. You just have to go for maximum attack every time you go out there to wring the lap out of it."

Ingram extends Goodyear Wingfoot Award lead following Croft success

Tom Ingram of Team VERTU extended his lead in the season-long Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings at Croft, duly claiming pole position and further establishing himself as one of the championship's top qualifiers. The Hyundai i30 star now leads the standings by four points over Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK), and will be eager to maintain that qualifying momentum at a circuit he describes with particular fondness.

"I do have a little bit of a soft spot for Knockhill,” Ingram told Goodyear at the start of the season. “The circuit is like none other that we go to, so it's always very exciting. We're always dictated by the close nature of the circuit, which means you try to look for an advantage any way you can. It always comes down to fine margins, and it always seems to come down to qualifying. Qualifying is the thing that always makes or breaks your weekend at Knockhill."

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 Knockhill kicks off on Saturday 16th August, ahead of the three races on Sunday 17th.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

Goodyear will supply three sets of its white-walled soft compound tyres and one set of the red-walled hard compound for drivers this weekend. Each driver may also choose to use up to two sets of carryover tyres from previous events, but the medium compound, which is expected to be the more popular carryover choice for this event, is only allowed to be used during free practice sessions.

The 2.1-mile Croft track is distinctive for its fast, flowing opening sector that contrasts a slower and technical final sector. It is characterised by its punishing Hairpin that demands maximum traction for the run onto the start-finish straight. The circuit's bumpy nature and the importance of using the kerbs, particularly through the opening Clervaux, Hawthorn Bend and Chicane segment, means drivers cannot afford to go off line if they want to maintain competitive lap times.

Michael Butler, Goodyear's BTCC Event Leader, explains: "Croft is a tough and twisty circuit that really tests the limits of both driver and tyre performance. It requires a car setup that focuses on stability in high-speed corners such as the Jim Clark Esses. Compliance is crucial, especially when using the kerbs in the first corners to carry momentum. The final section through the Complex and into the Hairpin is much more technical, so traction becomes absolutely key, particularly out of the Hairpin and onto the start-finish straight. That, paired with the circuit's bumpy characteristics, means we always get exciting racing at Croft. We’re in for a true test of driver skill and bravery all weekend."

The circuit's tough reputation is well-established among the drivers, too. Talking to Goodyear at the start of the season, Árón Taylor-Smith (Toyota Gazoo Racing UK) singled out the circuit’s famously tight Hairpin as the corner that “puts the most focus on traction” across the entire calendar.

Leeds-born Dan Cammish (NAPA Racing UK), a race winner at Croft, relishes competing at his home venue but also acknowledges its challenges: “The layout is fast and flowing, yet also really technical in the final section. You've got to be brave in places, but precise too. That balance makes it a real driver’s circuit, and it’s one I always look forward to.

“Historically, Croft has always been extremely tough on tyres. It’s always a balancing act. You can push tyres hard, say in qualifying, but if you try to do that every lap, you'll have nothing left by the end. Our races are relatively short, but you still need to manage your tyres well to maintain pace across the stint.”

Tom Ingram claims Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Oulton Park

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award found its latest recipient at Oulton Park as Tom Ingram claimed the trophy for the first time this season at the Cheshire track in June. 

The Team VERTU star will be looking to carry that qualifying momentum further into the demanding Croft weekend, where his championship-winning expertise could be significant in his bid for the season-long Goodyear Wingfoot Award. Heading into Croft, he leads the standings by a single point as a result of his superb qualifying consistency this season, having been in fourth place or lower on the grid at every event so far this year.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award has seen four different drivers take the trophy so far this season, so Ingram is to face stiff competition from others who have their eyes on the prize. The consistent pace required to secure pole position among such a competitive field becomes ever more critical as the season progresses and the championship battle intensifies.

Butler adds: “At the midpoint of the season, it’s all to play for at the top of the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings. We know that consistency in qualifying is crucial, as every point counts in this closely fought contest. The pressure will be on all the drivers to deliver their very best as the season moves into its second half at Croft.”

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

Track action at Croft gets underway on Saturday 2 August, ahead of three races on Sunday 3 August.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings:

Drivers will be allocated three sets of Goodyear’s soft compound tyres and one set of the hard compound this weekend. Drivers may also choose to use up to two sets of carryover tyres from previous events, but the medium compound, which is expected to be the more popular carryover choice for this event, is only allowed to be used in FP1 and FP2.

Teams have already taken advantage of carryover tyres in previous rounds this season to maximise performance in qualifying and during the three races. However, with the season at its midway point after Oulton Park, some drivers might also be planning to keep some compounds on the side for the later parts of the season, when fewer of the quicker soft compounds are available.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains: “Oulton Park is a circuit that really challenges drivers and team alike to think about their tyre strategy. The track is demanding, narrow and rich with complex braking zones, therefore making it more challenging to overtake. Getting superb traction out of the hairpin and Knickerbrook will be crucial for drivers to gain vital fractions of a second for the climbs through Hilltop and Clay Hill. 

“Teams and drivers will need to think strategically about their tyre choices this weekend; drivers will have to use the hard compound for the entirety of one of the three races, which means we will see a lot of soft compound running across all other sessions - unless drivers choose to save these tyres for future events and can run on medium or hard compounds they have carried over from previous events. The carryover strategy is a season-long game; the developments of which are likely to unfold after the summer break.”

Sutton shines in the wet to take Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Thruxton

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award saw its third different winner of the season at Thruxton as Ashley Sutton of NAPA Racing UK claimed the trophy a fortnight ago at the Hampshire track. The 2023 Goodyear Wingfoot Award winner drew on his championship-winning experience to master the wet conditions during qualifying to claim the top spot. 

The Ford Focus driver will be looking to maintain that momentum at Oulton Park, where he faces stiff competition from other drivers looking to secure this weekend’s Goodyear Wingfoot Award. 

One such contender is Team VERTU racer Tom Ingram, who, talking to Goodyear, describes the consistency required to top the qualifying timesheets and win the award: "As each year passes, I think what we've seen time and again is the level of consistency needed to stay near the front,” explained the Hyundai i30 star. 

“It's about being mindful of building performance throughout the race weekend. Saturdays especially are critical, as we're down to such fine margins now [with the lighter cars]. When we bolt on the soft tyres, you've got to push hard from the very first corner.

“It often seems that whoever wins the Goodyear Wingfoot Award is also right up there in the championship. The two go hand in hand. I hope I can win it this year. I’ve never quite managed [the season award], but everything seems to be getting closer each year.”

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards the fastest qualifying lap at each round. Drivers compete for a Wingfoot trophy at each event, in addition to the season-long title. Points are awarded based on qualifying results throughout the season, with the highest scorer ultimately crowned the 2025 Goodyear Wingfoot Award winner.

Track action at Oulton Park kicks off on Saturday 21 June, ahead of the three races on Sunday 22 June.

Thruxton’s high-speed layout and extremely abrasive surface make it the only venue on the BTCC calendar where a single Goodyear compound is mandated across all track sessions. 

Each driver will receive five sets of Goodyear’s red-walled hard compound tyres for the weekend. They may also carry over one extra set of hard tyres from previous events at Brands Hatch Indy and Snetterton, where the same compound was also in use.

Goodyear’s hard compound tyre is designed specifically to cope with the extreme demands of the championship’s toughest tracks. Incorporating technologies developed to withstand the high lateral forces generated by Thruxton's high-speed, 2.36-mile configuration, the tyre is designed to endure the aggressive kerbs and heavily abrasive surface presented by the circuit.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains: “Thruxton is ultra-fast. Its abrasive surface and aggressive kerbs make it one of the toughest tracks in the world on tyres, and as such it demands the most durable compound in our range. Goodyear’s hard compound tyre provides the consistency teams need to manage wear and strategy effectively here.

“At Thruxton, our approach is guided by extensive experience and countless hours of running at the circuit. We made a deliberate decision not to offer a choice of compounds this weekend, requiring drivers to use the hard tyre for qualifying and all three races. We also enforce specific pressure and camber settings to ensure optimal performance and safety across all sessions.”

Cammish extends Goodyear Wingfoot Award lead at Snetterton

Dan Cammish continued his impressive qualifying form in this year’s BTCC campaign by securing his second pole position of the year with a superb lap at Snetterton a fortnight ago. The NAPA Racing UK driver duly claimed his second Goodyear Wingfoot Award of the season, further extending his lead in the season-long standings to 50 points.

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award recognises the fastest qualifier at each round. Drivers earn points based on their qualifying performances throughout the season, with the highest total securing the 2025 Goodyear Wingfoot Award title.

Speaking to Goodyear, Cammish expressed his ambition to claim the Goodyear Wingfoot Award this season and offered his thoughts ahead of the upcoming race weekend at Thruxton: “I’d like to think this could be my year. I really enjoy qualifying; it’s something I’ve always been strong at. I came so close [to winning the Wingfoot Award] in 2020 and missed out by just a point or two after losing pole at a wet Croft.

“Thruxton, without question, puts the most demand on tyres of all tracks. The tarmac is incredibly coarse and abrasive; in some places, it’s no better than your local roads. It’s the fastest circuit in the country, and the high-speed kerbs add even more stress to the tyres.

“We run the hard compound exclusively at Thruxton for that reason, and Goodyear provides us with a tyre that can handle the challenge. We also set the car up specifically to protect the tyre. If you don’t, you might be quick in the early laps, but you’ll be wishing the race was over far sooner than it is. Getting that balance right is absolutely crucial.”

Cammish now holds a six-point advantage over Team VERTU’s Tom Ingram at the top of the Goodyear Wingfoot Award leaderboard, while his NAPA Racing UK teammates, Ash Sutton and Dan Rowbottom, are level on 30 points in joint third place.

Track action at Thruxton kicks off on Saturday 7 June, ahead of the three races on Sunday 8 June.

At Snetterton Goodyear will supply each driver with three sets of its white-walled soft compound and one set of the more durable hard compound.

Teams will also have the option to use carryover tyres from earlier rounds, adding another layer of strategy. Like at Brands Hatch two weeks ago, drivers can choose two sets of any compound carried over from the first two events, but the medium - expected to be the more popular carryover choice for this event - can only be used during free practice sessions.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, previews the weekend: “Snetterton has a mixture of high, medium and low-speed corners that will challenge drivers and engineers to think strategically about tyre usage this weekend. The Turn 1 right-hander in particular stands out as it is extremely fast and puts a significant load through the tyres early in the lap. 

“Drivers have three sets of the soft compound and one of the hard compound allocated for the weekend, plus the option of using carryover tyres, so managing tyre allocation across practice, qualifying and the races will be vital - including deciding whether to save any of their allocated compounds for use at races later in the season.”

Jake Hill claims Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Brands Hatch Indy

Jake Hill delighted his home crowd at Brands Hatch last time out by setting a new BTCC lap record around the 1.21-mile Indy circuit, claiming pole position and duly winning the second Goodyear Wingfoot Award of the season.

In fact all six drivers in the 'Quick Six' shootout two weeks ago - each equipped with Goodyear’s soft compound - posted lap times comfortably quicker than the previous qualifying record.

Speaking after qualifying at Brands Hatch, Hill said: “This new Goodyear Wingfoot Award is lovely for taking pole. I threw the world at it, and [the car] stuck. We came here and straight away had that ‘bite’ in the tyre, everywhere. It’s lovely to have a BMW that is absolutely rocking again!”

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.

Butler added: “We have now entered what is the fastest era of cars in BTCC history. The cars are around 55kg lighter and more agile this year without the hybrid power systems, so the pace we’ve seen at Donington and Brands Hatch Indy proves that drivers are really able to extract the most from their tyres. Jake won the season's Goodyear Wingfoot Award in 2022, so it was great to see him back with another Goodyear Wingfoot Trophy in his hand.”

Track action at Snetterton kicks off on Saturday 24 May, ahead of the three races on Sunday 25 May.

Ash Sutton of NAPA Racing UK made the most of the new regulations to win races one and two a fortnight ago at Donington Park. Later in the day, Tom Chilton used his experience to win race three by the biggest margin of the weekend. Tom Ingram, who finished second in all three races, will aim to go one better on the Brands Hatch Indy layout, where the Team Vertu driver won twice during last year’s visit. 

The Indy circuit’s constantly turning nature is demanding on the tyres as well as the driver, with even the start-finish Brabham Straight on a bend. This track results in more load on the tyres on the left side, demanding a strategic choice from the teams on how to use the three sets of ‘standard’ soft tyres and one set of the ‘option’ hard tyres that they will be allocated. This will be the first opportunity for drivers to use the hard Goodyear compound this season.

Track resurfacing ahead of the race weekend - from the last brake marker on the Cooper Straight through to the grid slots on the Brabham Straight - will add further challenge for teams to navigate this weekend. 

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains: "Even though Brands Hatch Indy is one of the shortest laps on the calendar, it is relentless. The constantly turning layout puts significant strain on the left-hand tyres, even more now as the cars are lighter and more responsive. This weekend, Goodyear engineers will be drawing on their experience to help teams and drivers adapt quickly to the challenges posed by the resurfaced section leading onto the Brabham Straight.” 

For the first time this season, further strategy choices come in the possibility of using carryover tyres from the previous round. Drivers are free to choose two sets of either the soft or medium compounds from Donington, but the medium compound - expected to be the more popular carryover choice for this event - can only be used during free practice sessions.

Butler adds: “The carryover tyre strategy challenge begins now, as from this round, drivers may wish to choose to carry over particular compounds for use towards the end of the season. It’s a long game!”

Dan Cammish wins Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Donington

Dan Cammish of NAPA Racing UK took the opening Goodyear Wingfoot Award at Donington Park and will want to repeat his performance to stay on top of the league table.

Talking to Goodyear, Cammish shared his hopes for securing the Wingfoot Award this season: “I’d like to think this could be my year. I really enjoy qualifying; it’s something I’ve always been strong at. I came so close [to winning the Wingfoot Award] in 2020 and missed out by just a point or two after losing a pole at a wet Croft. 

“This season, turbo boost deployment will affect qualifying, but usually the top drivers in the championship are also the ones fighting for the Wingfoot Award. Hopefully I can top both this year."

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards the fastest qualifying lap at each round. Drivers collect points from their qualifying results throughout the season, with the overall top scorer eventually being crowned the 2025 Goodyear Wingfoot Award winner. 

For this round, the shorter lap of the Indy circuit will provide the perfect backdrop for a competitive qualifying session on Saturday afternoon, with drivers having more chances to deliver their best laps, and timings being close to each other. 

Track action at Brands Hatch Indy kicks off on Saturday 10 May, ahead of the three races on Sunday 11 May.

The 30-round campaign will take place over ten weekends, visiting eight of the most iconic venues in British motorsport. Goodyear will once again supply its proven range of soft, medium and hard slick compounds to all teams, alongside a wet-weather tyre designed for maximum performance in all conditions. These specifications were instrumental in setting new qualifying and race lap records at all but four circuits last season.

All rounds in 2025 - with the exception of Thruxton - 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. A regulation change for 2025 also requires the top three finishers in Race 1 to use the hardest available tyre compound in Race 2, replacing the previous rule which applied to the top ten finishers.

The soft compound will be available as the ‘standard’ specification at Brands Hatch (Indy), Snetterton, Oulton Park, Croft and Knockhill; and the medium at Donington Park (National and GP), Silverstone and Brands Hatch (GP). The soft compound will be available as the ‘option’ specification at Donington (National), Silverstone and Brands Hatch (GP), medium at Knockhill, and hard at all other tracks.

This season also brings a fresh twist to the Goodyear Wingfoot Award. Drivers will now compete for a Wingfoot trophy at each event in addition to the season-long title. This change adds an extra layer of visibility to the award and will help to celebrate the very performances that make touring car racing at the highest level so thrilling.

The sole tyre supplier partnership between the Goodyear group and BTCC began in 2003 making this one of the most enduring partnerships in motorsport history. The sole tyre partnership was built on success in the pre-millennium open tyre competition era.

Goodyear is ready for a new BTCC era  

The 2025 season marks a new era in the BTCC as it becomes the first major UK championship to adopt 100% fossil-free sustainable fuel across the entire grid. This new fuel replaces the hybrid power systems used in the previous three seasons. As a result, the cars will become some 55 kilograms lighter and noticeably more agile.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains the impact of these changes on tyre performance: “The switch from hybrid power to sustainable fuel is a huge change in the BTCC. It’s a move towards greater environmental responsibility and brings with it a significant influence on how our tyres will behave on track. With a 55-kilogram drop in car weight, we expect a greater difference in lap times between the soft, medium and hard compounds. That gives us more confidence in using the soft compound at more circuits this season.”

Butler adds: “We’re entering what could be the fastest era of cars in BTCC history. The pace in pre-season testing has already seen lap times fall below several current qualifying records. The lighter, more agile cars are allowing drivers to really extract the most from their tyres.”

Reigning champion Jake Hill eyes back-to-back titles

Jake Hill returns to the grid in 2025 as the reigning BTCC champion, aiming to defend his crown in what is expected to be one of the most competitive seasons to date. Hill, who claimed his maiden title in a nail-biting season finale at Brands Hatch in October, is already feeling positive about the impact of the latest regulation changes on tyre performance. 

“The soft compound is my favourite tyre,” said Hill. “The BMW tends to be quite gentle on tyres, so having that extra grip from the soft compound is something we really appreciate. That said, we’ve had some very good running on the hard compound in pre-season testing this year and the car seems to be a little bit happier on it compared to last year.

“The regulation changes this season will have a massive impact on tyre behaviour. So far it has forced us to re-think how we set the car up, but it's proving to be a positive change. It should keep the racing interesting to the very end and make things even closer between the drivers,” Hill adds.

Hill also described the significance of Goodyear’s role in the championship: “Our relationship with Goodyear is extremely important. The Goodyear engineers spend a lot of time with us to help us understand why we might be damaging the tyres, or on the other hand, why we might not be pushing them enough. 

“Winning the Goodyear Wingfoot Award in 2022 was a great achievement, but I’m also here to win the ultimate crown again. I was fortunate enough to win [the championship] last year, and that’s always the main goal.”

Track action gets underway at Donington Park on Saturday 26 April with two BTCC free practice sessions and qualifying, followed by the opening three races of the season on Sunday 27 April.

2025 Goodyear tyre allocation quick facts:

• All events carry a ‘standard’ and ‘option’ tyre specification. A driver must use one complete set of ‘option’ tyres for the entirety of one race at all rounds (except Thruxton).
• Drivers will be allocated four sets of the medium compound as the ‘standard’ specification and one set of the soft compound as the ‘option’ specification at the season-opening rounds at Donington Park (National).
• Five events will carry the soft compound as the ‘Standard’ specification, four events will carry the medium as ‘Standard’ and only one (Thruxton) will carry the hard compound as ‘Standard’.
• ‘Option’ tyres may be used in any Free Practice session(s) (as well as for the entirety of one race) but are not permitted to be used in Qualifying, except at Donington Park (GP), Silverstone and Brands Hatch (GP).
• Any driver that finishes in the top three of the first race of any round must use the hardest compound tyre remaining available to them in the second race of that round.

Another chapter for Goodyear in endurance racing 

Goodyear has a storied history in endurance racing, and in recent years has been the exclusive tyre supplier to the LMP2 category in ELMS since 2021. That role expanded at the start of the 2024 season to include the LMGT3 category, following its earlier role as the exclusive supplier to the LMGTE class from the 2020 season.

For the 2025 season, Goodyear continues as the exclusive tyre supplier for the LMP2 category in both ELMS and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and for all teams competing in the LMGT3 category of ELMS and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Mathias Kipp, Head of Car Racing, Goodyear EMEA: “This sponsorship is an exciting opportunity for Goodyear to strengthen its presence in endurance racing and bring us closer to our customers and fans in the United Kingdom. We are proud to deepen our involvement with the European Le Mans Series; a highly competitive championship which carries the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans around Europe.

“For fans at the track, Goodyear will bring them even closer to the action. For us, it is another opportunity to support drivers at all levels in their endurance racing careers - from young, future stars to the most skilled endurance racers - each of whom will benefit from Goodyear’s Eagle F1 race tyres and expert trackside support.”
 

Driving in winter comes with many potential hazards on the roads. Drivers can be confronted with dense fog, heavy rain, a flurry of snow or ice on the roads. These conditions mean drivers must take extra care when driving. Experts at Goodyear, the award-winning manufacturer of all-season tyres, have provided their tips to stay safe this winter. 

Top winter driving tips:

1. Plan your route and check the forecast

It’s always important to prepare well before you set off on any journey. But it’s doubly important if there’s a chance you’re going to be confronted with hazardous winter weather. Try to plan your route using major roads which will be gritted and cleared regularly. B-roads are less likely to be gritted than A-roads, so avoid them if snow or ice is expected.   

2. Adapt your driving style

Drive smoothly to ensure no sudden movements in braking or steering, this will help the tyre tread to maintain maximum contact with the road surface. Knowing how fast to drive in snow, matching speed to driving conditions and maintaining plenty of distance between the vehicle in front, will ensure plenty of time to react to any sudden braking. If your car should get stuck in snow, use low revs and a higher gear to smoothly move away.

3. Keep all fluids topped up

Make sure your oil and windscreen wash are topped up. You should keep a bottle or flask of water in the car with you. You should also use antifreeze, which can help to protect your engine from damage. You can check your oil using the dipstick and a dry cloth. Ensure the coolant is topped up and add antifreeze as necessary. Unexpected delays could happen, so make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel in your tank or your electric vehicle is fully charged. 

4. Make your car visible

In winter we have shorter daylight hours, which causes poorer visibility, especially during rush hours. And if you add fog, frost, snow or heavy rain to dark mornings and evenings, you’ll need to take extra care to be seen easily by other road users. Start by making sure all lights are working and clear from snow or dirt. Only use your fog lights in foggy conditions otherwise you may dazzle other drivers. Also, keep your number plate clear from snow. Legally, this should always be visible.

5. Clear your windows of snow, ice & mist

Clear all your windows and mirrors of snow, ice and condensation. Only set off when you have maximum visibility out of every window. If it has snowed, you should clear the snow from the roof of your car to prevent it falling onto the windows. If your wiper blades are worn or damaged, you should replace them. 

6. Check your tyres

One of the most important winter driving tips is to make sure your tyres are in good condition. You should always look after your tyres, but this is especially important in winter. Start by looking for cracks, cuts or bulges in the tyre. Arrange to replace the tyres if you notice any of these or speak to a reputable dealer or garage. Next up, check the tread depth. Legally, your tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Regular checks can avoid 3 penalty points and up to £2,500 in fines, so it’s best to stay safe.

You can test this by placing a 20 pence coin into the lowest tread depth of your tyre. If you cannot see the rim of the coin, this indicates the tyre is above 3mm, which is generally regarded as a good guide. Ask a mechanic if you’re not sure.

Finally, try to check tyre pressures at least once a month to ensure they are in line with what your vehicle manufacturer recommends.

7. Use All Season or Winter Tyres (look for M+S or Snowflake tyre markings)

Winter tyres are designed to perform best at temperatures of 7°C and below as a guide. They are not a legal requirement in the UK as we do not experience extreme snow and ice (unlike in other European countries). However, if you regularly drive long distances through winter and especially if you drive in rural areas where roads are not always gritted, you should consider investing in winter tyres.

Alternatively, all season tyres provide extra reassurance for drivers not considering winter tyres. The design of the tread grooves on all season tyres help to protect against aquaplaning by moving water away from the tyre contact area. All season tyres also provide good performance all year round, meaning you won’t have to revert to summer tyres in the warmer months.

Recently the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 became the first all-season tyre ever to achieve an overall rating of “Good” in one of Europe’s leading tyre tests. (ADAC Germany). The tyre combines elements from the tread pattern, the groove arrangement and the sidewalls of Goodyear’s test-winning summer and winter tyres to ensure balanced performance in changing weather conditions, but it’s the compound where the magic happens. The tread compound for the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 consists of up to 17 components,  for example, synthetic rubbers which provide excellent grip and wear performance. Silica and traction resins offer outstanding grip, and braking performance in rainy weather. Other components include sulphur, wax, and antioxidants, as well as sunflower oil, which increases the flexibility of the rubber when road temperatures drop.

"The Vector 4Seasons Gen-3's adaptive rubber compound ensures that the tyre remains flexible at different temperatures and offers reliable performance and outstanding mileage in a wide range of conditions. It actually represents a category of its own, connecting the best of two worlds", says Goodyear's compounding engineer Chris Kaes.

If you frequently drive to European countries during the snow season, it may be a legal requirement to fit winter tyres to comply with local laws, although all Goodyear all-season tyres come with the necessary 3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) markings. You can check the regulations here: Goodyear guide to driving in Europe.

8. Pack a winter survival kit

It might sound a bit much for our mild winters, but you never know how long you might be held up on the roads, so making sure you have all the right supplies in your car is essential. Here’s what you should include:

• Warm clothes and some blankets
• Snow shovels and an ice scraper
• Warning triangle and high-vis jacket
• Jump leads
• First aid kit
• Torch
• Mobile phone and charger
• Bottle or flask of water

9. EV drivers

Electric car drivers often have the luxury of being able to warm their car and de-ice the windows from the comfort of their home. But it is important to ensure the car is fully charged, as journeys may take longer than expected.

10. Look after car batteries and electrics

If your car battery is several years old, it may suffer in wintery conditions. Make sure to turn off lights, heating and wipers when not in use and before you start the car. If you don’t use your car often, prevent a flat battery by giving it a regular charge. Lastly, to help you remember the essential winter checks and winter driving tips, remember the FORCES acronym: Fuel, Oil, Rubber (tyres), Coolant, Electrics and Screen wash.

With Goodyear as the official tyre supplier to BTCC, its Wingfoot Award recognises drivers for their performance in qualifying sessions throughout the racing season. Points are given based on qualifying position, with the driver accumulating the most points over the ten qualifying rounds winning the award. The polesitter receives 20 points, second position earns 17 points, third place earns 15, with points awarded down to 1 point for the 15th qualifying position.

Turkington demonstrated remarkable qualifying pace throughout the year, qualifying on the front row of the grid at every event after the mid-season break in June. At the season finale, Turkington secured his fourth pole position of the year, showcasing impressive speed aboard his BMW 330e M Sport to secure his place at the top of the Wingfoot Award standings and take home the trophy.

Turkington first took the lead in the Wingfoot Award standings at Brands Hatch Indy in May and stayed within the top five of the standings for the remainder of the season. Retaking the lead at Donington Park GP in August, he held onto it until the season’s end, despite entering the final round with only an 11-point lead over Tom Ingram. His season-long results demonstrate the importance of consistency and reliability across race weekends for success in the award.

Goodyear has been the exclusive supplier to the championship since 2020. Before that, Dunlop, belonging to the Goodyear group, was the sole tyre supplier to the championship between 2003 and 2019. Both brands have histories in the series going back to its inception in 1958.

Goodyear equips every car on the BTCC grid with Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres, backed by a team of expert tyre technicians on-site each race weekend to help optimise driver performance. Competing in the BTCC offers Goodyear invaluable insights for transferring technologies back to Goodyear's range of high-performance tyres for the road.

Turkington “privileged” to win the Goodyear Wingfoot Award

The West Surrey Racing-run Team BMW has been a formidable contender in the BTCC in recent years, claiming the Wingfoot Award in four of the last five seasons; three of them with Turkington at the wheel in 2020, 2021 and 2024, and with Jake Hill in 2022. Ash Sutton became the first non-BMW driver to win the accolade in 2023.

Speaking to ITV after receiving the Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy, Turkington said: "That's my fourth pole of the year and it was important to get myself up there ahead of the main protagonists.

“I’m pretty privileged to win the Goodyear Wingfoot Award—it’s the third time I’ve won—so it’s a testament to all the hard work by everyone at Team BMW.”

Michael Butler, BTCC Event Leader, added: “Colin’s performance in qualifying this season has been incredibly consistent. His ability to extract the best out of the BMW in qualifying sessions is impressive, and securing pole position in four of the ten rounds this season speaks volumes about his pace. To win his third Goodyear Wingfoot Award here at Brands Hatch is a testament to the four-time BTCC champion’s skill. Congratulations to Colin and the entire Team BMW crew.”

Goodyear returns as the Official Tyre Supplier for the 2025 British Touring Car Championship, kicking off the 30-round season at the Donington Park National circuit on 26-27 April.

Past Goodyear Wingfoot Award winners:

Returning to the Kent circuit after racing on its shorter Indy layout in May, but moving to the twice-as-long GP circuit, the last round of the season promises exhilarating racing. Having shared the wins last time out at Silverstone, Jake Hill and Tom Ingram head to Brands Hatch tied at the top of the drivers’ championship. But, with a further four drivers also still in contention for championship glory, an exciting battle is promised across Sunday’s three races.

Three different slick Goodyear tyre compounds have allowed teams to take a wide variety of strategy options throughout the season, facilitating this year’s season-long close racing. This weekend, teams are allocated one set of soft and two sets of medium tyres for the race weekend, with the option to choose three sets of carryover tyres from previous rounds for practice and qualifying, just as they did at recent events at Donington and Silverstone.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award to be decided on Saturday

Before the 2024 BTCC champion is crowned on Sunday, attention will be on the Goodyear Wingfoot Award during Saturday’s qualifying session. Drivers have been accumulating points towards the trophy all season based on their qualifying positions, and two-time winner Colin Turkington currently leads the standings with an 11-point lead over Tom Ingram. With 20 points on offer for pole, either could bring home the 2024 trophy.

Team BMW’s Turkington won the Goodyear Wingfoot Award in 2020 and 2021, before Jake Hill took home the 2022 trophy. Last year, Ash Sutton became the first non-BMW driver to win it.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, highlights the added strategic variable posed by the free tyre allocation: “This weekend’s finale will be a test of strategy and execution. Teams have been playing a season-long game of chess in their approach to tyre allocations to best prepare for this round as having the right carryover tyres on Saturday will help secure a good grid position and points towards the Goodyear Wingfoot Award.

“With trophies on the line at a demanding circuit like Brands Hatch, each decision could make a huge difference for drivers. We’re looking forward to some close racing to round out another thrilling season.”

Ash Sutton praises Goodyear tyres while looking ahead to his “best” circuit

One driver who is particularly looking forward to this weekend’s races is defending champion Ash Sutton. The NAPA Racing UK Ford driver rates the longer Brands Hatch layout as his favourite track and he won two of the three races there 12 months ago.

“Brands Hatch GP has always been, and probably will always remain, my best circuit,” he says. “That’s not just based on the result, but the sensation of being around the back of the circuit when you are really at the limit of the car. When racing on such an intense track you are putting a massive amount of trust through whatever tyre compound you are on.”

Praising the Goodyear tyres he adds: “Whether it’s a soft, a medium, or even the hard, it’s such a thrill to be out there. But then when you have a championship on the line and you are living life on the edge, it’s really exciting.”

Goodyear Wingfoot Award current top five:

Goodyear is set to inject an additional layer of strategy to the event by offering teams a selection of both soft and medium slick tyre compounds, along with the flexibility to select three sets of carryover tyres for use in free practice and qualifying. These can be carried over from any previous event, so teams will choose the tyres in the best condition to optimise performance across the race weekend.

The fast, flowing 1.6-mile National layout will take drivers through some of Silverstone’s most iconic and challenging corners, as they battle for crucial championship points in the penultimate weekend of the season. Getting a good result at Silverstone will put the drivers in good stead for the three remaining races at Brands Hatch, where the 2024 championship will be decided.

Current championship leader Jake Hill of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport has enjoyed victory at each of his last three visits to Silverstone, and will be determined to maintain his winning streak to preserve his lead at the top of the table. Hill currently leads Bristol Street Motors driver Tom Ingram in the championship standings by only nine points, so maximising points in all three races will be crucial for him to extend his advantage over Ingram.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, previews the weekend: “Silverstone has played host to some memorable touring car battles in recent years. This year, the introduction of a free choice of carryover tyres during practice and qualifying adds a new layer of excitement and strategic depth. It has forced teams to be more tactical in their tyre management throughout the season.

“Close collaboration with Goodyear’s tyre engineers will be key for teams and drivers to identify the best sessions to use their additional tyre allocations and to gain an advantage over competitors. This weekend’s action promises excitement, and every point will be crucial as the drivers battle it out as the season reaches its conclusion.”

Goodyear Wingfoot Award battle intensifying

Team BMW driver Colin Turkington currently leads the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings, holding a 10-point advantage over the reigning champion, Ash Sutton. Turkington shot to the top of the standings after securing pole position at Knockhill and a strong second-place grid start at Donington Park GP.

The race for the Wingfoot Award remains fiercely competitive, with only 14 points separating the top three contenders. Three-time Silverstone polesitter Tom Ingram trails Ash Sutton by just four points, while Dan Cammish still has a chance to clinch the Wingfoot trophy, currently sitting on 92 points. With a maximum of 20 points available for securing pole position on Saturday, and a further 20 available to the Brands Hatch polesitter, the battle for the award remains as open as ever.

The Wingfoot Award recognises drivers for their performance in qualifying sessions throughout the racing season. Points are given based on qualifying position, with the driver accumulating the most points over the ten qualifying rounds winning the award. 

Goodyear Wingfoot Award current top five:

For the remainder of the season, teams will have a free choice of three sets of carryover tyres to use in free practice and qualifying. These are allocated from the previous event, so teams will select the tyres in the best condition to give them the best performance.

“It’s something teams have been considering since the beginning of the season,” explains Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader Michael Butler. “The three carryover sets means the teams will have nominated which tyres from previous events to bring here. Teams will have considered which tyres they want in the locker for the rest of the season, and will use their sets accordingly.

“As always, hybrid allocations will dictate the strategy, and we’ll see a variety of approaches to Saturday’s qualifying, and could have a big impact on the rest of the season and championship fight.”

Hill excited for ‘fun’ Donington

Team BMW driver Jake Hill has had an exceptional season, with more victories than anyone else and just three points off Tom Ingram in what could be his first BTCC title. 

Talking to Goodyear about this weekend, Hill explains that “Donington is a really tough circuit, especially the GP layout. It has many different elements, with the final sector being incredibly slow and hard on brakes. But, of course, Donington is famous for being fast and sweeping as well so it’s great fun.

“It’s always tricky when you’ve got so many tyre options,” adds the six-time race winner this season. “It increases the number of strategic options which is great for the spectacle. Of course, Donington will be tricky, traditionally with weather playing a role meaning we may not need dry tyres at all! 

“If we have a nice dry weekend it will be about selecting the strategy that best suits whatever hybrid we’ve got. With less hybrid, you might want to get the harder tyre out the way to have a better end to the [qualifying] day. Equally, you may want to do the opposite if you’ve got no hybrid you can run a soft to stay in the running.

“We lean on the Goodyear team for guidance throughout the weekend and season. We’ll have several conversations ahead of Donington to help us plan ahead. The Goodyear team is really experienced and their input is invaluable.”

Turkington rockets to the top of the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings

Elsewhere, following his pole position at Knockhill, Hill’s Team BMW teammate Colin Turkington shot up the standings from fourth to lead with just three qualifying sessions remaining. He leads reigning Wingfoot Award champion Ash Sutton by 6 points. 

The Goodyear Wingfoot Award in BTCC classifies drivers based on their qualifying performances, with points given out based on where drivers rank on a Saturday.

Goodyear Wingfoot Award current top five:

The soft Goodyear tyre will dominate the weekend’s action, with just a single medium set to be used during one of Sunday’s races. A total of three sets of softs are available to drivers for qualifying and two of Sunday’s races. A single carryover set of the soft and medium compound is also available, but the medium can only be used in practice. 

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, previews the weekend: “Knockhill is one of the best circuits on the BTCC calendar. The fast flowing sections reward the drivers who are precise and consistent. Furthermore, the weather is never far away from throwing up a surprise. We saw last year how quickly conditions can change, so it will be important for teams to keep an eye on the weather and make the right calls alongside the driver on strategy.”

Goodyear Wingfoot Award heats up

With just four qualifying sessions remaining, it’s been the two most recent BTCC champions Tom Ingram and Ash Sutton who have set the standard in qualifying so far this season. The Goodyear Wingfoot Award in BTCC classifies drivers based on their qualifying performances, with points given out based on where drivers rank on a Saturday. Despite not claiming a pole, Sutton’s consistency means he’s just one point behind Ingram in the Wingfoot Award standings. Dan Cammish and Colin Turkington still have an outside chance of raising the Wingfoot trophy at the end of the season, trailing Ingram by nine and 11 points respectively. 

“It’s great that we have a real battle to find out who’s going to be crowned Wingfoot Award winner and best qualifier for the season,” adds Butler. “This will surely add extra excitement and bragging rights to Saturday’s on-track action.”

Goodyear Wingfoot Award current top five:

Located in North Yorkshire, Croft is one of the most challenging rounds of the season with a mix of fast flowing corners, long straights and slow technical sections all ready to test driver accuracy and bravery. 

At the midpoint of the season, it’s all to play for at the top of the championship. Jake Hill leads the way in his MB Motorsport BMW, but the fight is still on in a battle that will likely conclude at the final rounds at Brands Hatch in October. The top three in the championship are currently covered by just 24 points. 

Just like at Oulton Park last time out, Goodyear has nominated the soft (white sidewall) and hard (red sidewall) tyres for this weekend. One set of yellow-branded mediums will be available for Saturday practice. Only one set of hard compound tyres will be available per driver, so the first experience of it at Croft will be in race trim if teams decide not to put laps on it during practice. 

Drivers will run the soft during qualifying and two of Sunday’s races, while the hard tyre will be used once by each driver. Those on the soft tyre during race one must use the hard tyre in race two if they finish inside the top ten. 

“Whenever we come to Croft we get incredible racing,” explains Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader. “There are several places where thrilling overtakes are possible, particularly if drivers have superior confidence in the tyres during the heavy braking zones. We’ve nominated the most extreme tyres in the Goodyear range to give drivers the most interesting strategic options, so expect that to be a key talking point on Sunday.

“We look forward to the second half of the season after a brilliant first five events. In true BTCC style, the championship is wide open.”

Nestled in the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park remains one of the most historic and picturesque circuits in Britain. Its motorsport heritage goes back to 1953 when the original track layout was designed by the Mid-Cheshire Car Club. 

Oulton Park has been a firm fixture on the BTCC schedule since 1960, and is one of the most popular venues on the calendar for fans and spectators, particularly with its June date. 

This weekend’s tyre allocation

Goodyear has nominated the soft and hard tyre compounds for Oulton Park, denoted by white and red sidewalls respectively. One set of yellow-branded medium tyres will also be available to drivers for Saturday’s free practice sessions only. 

Drivers will run the soft during qualifying and two of Sunday’s races, while the hard tyre will be used once by each driver. Those on the soft tyre during race one must use the hard tyre in race two if they finish inside the top ten.

Previous rounds have provided an added layer of intrigue when multiple compounds have been in use. Drivers on the soft tyre could find more than a second per lap advantage in the early stages of the race, but will need to strategically choose when to manage the pace as the race progresses. 

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, comments on the strategy at Oulton Park: “These races will be the first time this year we’ve had the soft-hard combination. For drivers at the sharp end, the toughest decision will be whether to run the hard in race one and wait for the performance advantage in race two or start aggressive with a soft.”

“We’re proud of the performance this season, as demonstrated last time in Thruxton, where we saw flat out racing on the most difficult circuit of the season for tyres. Nonetheless, teams will need to find a setup that balances getting the hard tyres fired up and takes care of the soft if they’re to have an advantage over rivals. As with every BTCC round, every second counts.”, Butler adds. 

Located about 30 miles north of Southampton, Thruxton first hosted the BTCC back in 1969. The venue started its life as an airfield in 1941, and was home to both the Royal Air Force and United States Air Force during world war two.

Goodyear will bring the hard compound tyre this weekend, which is designed to handle the high load demands of Thruxton. Features of the tyre include technologies developed specifically to deliver performance to complement the high lateral forces generated by Thruxton's combination of 12 corners that make up the 2.36-mile circuit. 

The hard tyre has already been used this year at Snetterton alongside the soft and medium, and will return at the next two events at Oulton Park and Croft.

Four-time champion Colin Turkington spoke to Goodyear as a preview to the weekend action at the most demanding circuit on the calendar. One that Turkington knows he’ll need plenty of confidence in his Team BMW car to contend for victory.

“Thruxton is a difficult one given the high speed and abrasive nature that’s really hard on the tyres,'' explains the 69-time BTCC race winner. “You really feel it in qualifying because you’re out for one or two warm up laps and you have to manage the pace, with only one shot to get a perfect lap during each qualifying run.

“That makes Thruxton a unique challenge, given the nature of the circuit, it’s high speed but it’s also bumpy, so you need a car that gives you confidence. The soft and medium Goodyear tyres give a bit more feel, so making sure the setup gets us into a good place confidence wise is key with only the hard available.

“Finding that compliance means we will likely run the car a bit softer at Thruxton,” Turkington continues. “It makes managing the tyre a bit better so we’re competitive at the end of races. Kerbs are also a huge factor, particularly the last chicane where there’s a mega high kerb. That has a big impact on the car and tyre, so some real unique challenges!”

Before a wheel turned in the British Touring Car Championship, months of work had taken place to develop, fine-tune and simulate the tyres for the season. Tyres represent the final link between every component of a race-bred touring car and the circuit.

2024 is no different: An all-new spec of tyre has been developed by Goodyear to ensure the on-track action remains thrilling, and the extra power delivered by the hybrid boost is perfectly managed no matter which axle it’s sent to.

This weekend at Snetterton, drivers will be required to use all three compounds across the three races, which is set to add an extra layer of intrigue and mix up the competitive order. 

Ahead of the action, Goodyear sat down with a very familiar face in the paddock. 2022 champion Tom Ingram completed his 300th race at Donington Park last month. The 29-time race winner chats about the impact of having three specifications of tyre available at Snetterton and his role assisting Goodyear with tyre development. 

“The racing will really come alive when we have the three different tyre compounds at Snetterton, it’s where we’ll see the biggest delta between cars all season depending on everyone’s strategy,” enthused the winner of race three at Snetterton last year. “We did a mid-season tyre test there last year and we completed so many laps I was knackered by the end of it!”

“Snetterton itself is a great testing ground as there’s a mix of low, medium and high speed sections”, Ingram explains.

“I was on the soft tyre all the way through, which was the main focus for me. Tests are all about working with the tyre engineers to develop something that performs and lasts well, but also ends up being consistent across a race duration.”

Talking about Goodyear’s latest range of BTCC tyres, Ingram was full of praise for the direction it has gone to make the racing more interesting: “Goodyear has a tyre that will end up making the racing cool. In the past, the biggest deficit was when someone's on a soft tyre. However, from a soft tyre perspective this year, I think it feels very strong and durable. It'll be great for racing.”

“We rely heavily on Goodyear throughout weekends because naturally if you've got a car that's working well, it's easier to get the tyres into a good window. So, for us, it's a big part of the weekend and making sure that we've got high quality and concise information. From all parties, it’s what makes us have the tools to be able to improve the car, to change, or whatever else it needs in between.”

The 2024 British Touring Car Championship heads to Brands Hatch for its second meeting of the year. Rounds four, five and six will each take place on the Indy circuit layout on Sunday 12th May.

Brands Hatch hosted the very first BTCC race in 1958, but its racing roots stretch back to the 1920s as a grass circuit. The 1.2 mile Indy layout features six long and challenging corners, and bears a striking resemblance to the very first layout.  

This weekend, the Goodyear medium tyre, used at the opening rounds at Donington Park National, remains the standard. It will be the mandatory specification for qualifying and two of the three races. Each driver will receive one set of white-branded ‘option’ tyres, with a softer compound which could boost performance by up to 0.7 seconds per lap.

However, drivers on the medium tyre are expected to have greater pace during the closing laps of the race compared to the softer compound.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, discusses the strategic options facing the drivers this weekend: “Last time out at Donington, we saw some great racing up and down the field. With a soft tyre added to the mix for this weekend at Brands Hatch, expect to see a greater difference between cars, especially when it comes to using the soft during one of the races. 

“Teams and drivers will need to analyse with their Goodyear tyre engineer which race is best to use the extra performance. For the fastest drivers, that’s likely to be during the reverse grid at the end of the day.

“We look forward to the soft tyre’s continued presence during this season. Feedback from last year was particularly positive, and it will be the standard tyre later in the season at Oulton Park, Croft and Knockhill.” 

The 30-round season takes place over ten weekends and sees the championship visit eight of the most iconic venues in British motorsport. After the first three rounds at Donington, the championship will visit the likes of Knockhill, with its undulating layout that demands driver focus and commitment, and later to Thruxton, with its high-speed and relentless layout that poses perhaps the ultimate BTCC challenge.

Goodyear has been the exclusive supplier to the championship since 2020. Before that, Dunlop, belonging to the Goodyear group, was the sole tyre supplier to the championship between 2003 and 2019. Both brands have histories in the series going back to its inception in 1958.

New tyre spec to play a major role this season

All but two weekends this season will feature a mix of tyre compounds to spice up the action. Tweaked tyre regulations mean the driver who wins the first race must choose the hardest compound available for the following race. This will force teams to play the weekends strategically on tyre usage, and opens the door for a wide variety of race results. 

Rounds 4, 5 and 6 at Brands Hatch Indy will feature a single set of softs for drivers to use in one of the races, which will inject another layer of strategy that teams must use wisely.  

Only the season opener at Donington (medium) and June date at Thruxton (hard) will use a single specification of Goodyear’s slick tyre.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains the changes to the Goodyear tyre construction: “We’ve worked together with a number of teams to develop the latest Goodyear tyre specification. This season, the new tyres have increased lateral performance using slightly different materials to meet the demands of the more powerful hybrid powertrains. 

“Following driver feedback, we’re very confident these will give the grid greater confidence to push, particularly with changes to the hybrid boost that will have a major impact on races.

“The step in performance between the hard and soft tyre construction will be greater this season, up to 1.2 seconds per lap, so we’re excited to see how that mixes up races and how teams approach the weekends. It’ll emphasise strategy and also allow drivers to give 100% when it matters.”

Images: BTCC

Brands Hatch will bring to an end another action-packed season of racing in the British Touring Car Championship. For the first time this season, teams will be able to decide their own tyre allocation split between Goodyear’s soft and medium compounds.

This season has featured thirty races over the course of ten thrilling and diverse weekends, which could end with a record-equalling fourth BTCC title for NAPA Racing’s Ash Sutton. 

In the championship, Sutton leads the way by 45 points, so he could clinch the title after race one on Sunday if he doesn’t get outscored by Tom Ingram by more than five points.

Sutton has already won the overall Goodyear Wingfoot Award, which awards drivers for their qualifying performances. Sutton has five pole positions in 2023 so far.

Teams given free rein on tyre choice

Going into the action this weekend, each driver will receive one set of soft, two sets of mediums and a free choice of a further three sets of soft or medium. Both compounds must be used at some point during the three Sunday races.

In qualifying, drivers can use whatever they like, however, no mixing of sets will be allowed. 

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader: “As we end another season, I’d like to thank our impeccable team that travels to each race and ensures our operation runs smoothly. 

“We’re all excited to see the action on track this weekend. A final showdown to decide the championship always gets the crowd going. Unlike every other round this season, teams will be given the freedom to decide which compounds they use, which adds another layer of strategic variety. 

“On track, we’re looking forward to the drivers’ championship being decided. Both Sutton and Ingram have driven fantastic seasons. All the best to them as they write another chapter of BTCC history.”

Photos: Connor Botha

The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) heads to Donington Park for its eighth weekend of the season on August 26-27. The historic circuit, which first hosted a motorsport event in 1931, is a fitting venue to host one of several Goodyear 125th anniversary celebrations across the world.

At Donington, Goodyear is set to highlight its 125th anniversary with a very special rebranding at the historic British circuit, bringing back the first iteration of its Wingfoot logo. The Wingfoot has since become the inspiration for Goodyear’s Wingfoot Award, given to drivers who demonstrate peerless performance and consistency across a BTCC weekend.

Since The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898, it has played an intrinsic role in the history of motorsport, with the most number of Formula 1 victories, Le Mans wins¹, and the longest-standing partner and sponsor in NASCAR history. In BTCC, Goodyear has been the sole tyre supplier since the 2020 season and, before that, its Dunlop brand exclusively supplied the championship between 2003 and 2019. Both brands have histories in the championship going back to its inception in 1958.

This year also marks the thirtieth anniversary of arguably Donington’s most famous race. In 1993, Ayrton Senna dominated the European Grand Prix in conditions that varied from sunshine to torrential rain. On that memorable day Senna crossed the line, gripped by Goodyear tyres, having lapped every driver up to second place. Only Damon Hill finished on the lead lap, but some 1m23s behind. It was one Senna’s greatest drives, and one of the most dominant of Goodyear’s 368 Formula 1 Grand Prix victories. 

Goodyear Wingfoot a “symbol of performance”

The modern Goodyear branding that adorns the BTCC tyre sidewall and trackside decoration will, for the Donington weekend, be replaced by Goodyear’s first Wingfoot logo, originally designed in 1898.

In April, Goodyear underwent similar retro rebranding for NASCAR’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. In Europe, it paid homage to the nostalgic branding during NLS5 at the Nürburgring and the FIA World Endurance Championship round at Monza.

The Wingfoot icon can be traced back to the ancient era of Greek mythology. Mercury was the messenger of the gods, whose image inspired Goodyear’s co-founder Frank Seiberling, who suggested it would be a fitting company emblem.

“We’re excited to see Goodyear look a bit different this weekend,” says Michael Butler, Goodyear BTCC Event Leader. “Changes to the sidewall and trackside branding will bring a strong flavour of Goodyear’s heritage to the circuit. We’re immensely proud of our legacy and the Wingfoot has always been a symbol of performance in motorsport, which reflects Goodyear’s time spent at the very top of the sport. When it comes to BTCC, we are proud to have been part of the championship’s long history.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “We are delighted that Goodyear has selected the BTCC race weekend at Donington Park to activate its 125th anniversary in the UK. The relationship between the BTCC and Goodyear Group – both on-track and off-track – is stronger than ever and is now in its third decade, making it one of the most enduring collaborations in motorsport history.”

^{(1) Including Goodyear brands Dunlop and Avon.}

Read Goodyear's 125th Anniversary press kit

Goodyear 125^th anniversary celebratory docuseries

Watch Goodyear: 125 Years In Motion - On The Right Track: Brands, Icons & Racing. 

Goodyear has been a renowned name in the industry since its inception 125 years ago. From Charles Goodyear’s discovery of vulcanization of rubber to the Wingfoot logo, Goodyear has achieved several milestones. Learn about the history of Goodyear and its iconic brands, icons, and racing. Find out how Henry Ford’s request for Goodyear tyres to race ignited the company’s entry into motorsports, and learn how Goodyear’s involvement in racing has not only been a proving ground for existing tyres, but has also provided a unique point of difference for the brand. Get to know Goodyear’s extended family of brands, such as Kelly, Dunlop, Fulda, Debica and Sava, and hear about the iconic images associated with Goodyear, like the Wingfoot Express, Clock Tower, and the famous Goodyear Blimp.

Nestled within the Scottish countryside about six miles north of Dunfermline, Knockhill is Scotland's national motorsport centre and is known for its demanding 1.27-mile layout. It is the only FIA-approved circuit in Scotland.

Off the back of all three tyre compounds in action at Croft, it's the soft and 'option' medium tyres that have been allocated for Knockhill. The option tyre is mandatory in one of the three Sunday races, with the usage of the soft mandatory for the entire grid in qualifying. Drivers will need to use the increased grip of the option tyre strategically to achieve the best race results.

Goodyear's classic sidewall colours - white for the soft compound and yellow for the medium - will guide fans trackside and viewers tuned into ITV4's live coverage, adding a visual dimension to the strategic battles unfolding on the track.

Knockhill is one of five circuits on the calendar which has adopted the ‘Top Ten Showdown’ qualifying format, first introduced in 2020. As part of this, all drivers will take part in the normal 30-minute qualifying session to record their lap times, but following a short five-minute break, the fastest ten competitors will progress to a ten-minute pole position ‘Top Ten Showdown’ session to determine the top ten places on the grid.

Ash Sutton, driving for NAPA Racing UK, remains at the top of the championship, with Excelr8 Motorsport driver and reigning BTCC champion Tom Ingram sitting just six points behind him with four rounds left to go, including Knockhill.

In conversation with Ingram at Croft, he asserted his determination to solidify his position atop the leaderboard: “We have [our eyes on the championship]; we’d be foolish to look away from it. It’s tough this year, but we will just keep doing what we’re doing: keeping our head down, focusing on ourselves, controlling the controllables. There is no point worrying about what everyone else is doing; you just need to focus on your own game and make sure it is as strong as it can be. Fundamentally, anyone who says they don’t come here to win would be lying.”

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, anticipates an electrifying seventh round of the season: “The upcoming Knockhill round promises a captivating showcase of racing prowess. The flow of this track is a relentless examiner of drivers' skills, challenging them on every lap. The circuit has also undergone several upgrades, including kerbs that the drivers will need to be mindful of.

“What adds another layer of intrigue is having the option tyre. The choices that the drivers and their teams make will be integral in shaping the very landscape of the championship itself, especially as we edge towards the end of the season."

The North Yorkshire circuit kickstarts the second half of the season, with six drivers having taken victory so far this year. 

Following the success of Snetterton in May which saw the mandatory use of the Goodyear soft, medium and hard tyres across Sunday’s races, the same rules will apply at Croft this weekend.

Each of the three tyre compounds must be used over the course of Sunday’s races, which will give drivers and teams the opportunity to play with the strategy in order to maximise their weekend’s points haul. In qualifying, all drivers will run mediums.

Goodyear’s tyre compounds are denoted by their distinctive coloured sidewall to help fans trackside and viewers of ITV4’s live coverage. The softest in the range features a white sidewall, medium is yellow, and hard is green.

Croft features a 2.05-mile layout with a mix of fast and medium speed corners, a tricky final section, and a hairpin to finish the lap. This variety means teams have to set their cars up to maximise both high speed stability as well as traction from the slow corners. 

Michael Butler, Event Leader: “We’re looking forward to an exciting second half of the season. At Croft, the brilliant flowing layout challenges the drivers every lap. By making all three sets of tyres available, it provides far more strategic opportunities for drivers up and down the grid. We saw at Snetterton that introducing a third compound added a layer of complexity. Assuming the weekend stays dry, drivers can choose one of six different strategic combinations, so expect a lot of variety up and down the field.”

Following the success of all three compounds being used at Snetterton two weeks ago which added a layer of strategy that delivered three thrilling races. Thruxton poses a very different challenge for drivers and teams. Here, drivers will achieve the highest average speeds of the season thanks to the circuit’s multiple long, high-speed corners, with over 110mph average expected in qualifying. The circuit’s notoriously abrasive surface and aggressive kerbs call for the toughest tyre in the Goodyear range.

Michael Butler, Event Leader: “The Goodyear hard tyre has been proven at Thruxton in previous years. We took the decision to not offer a choice of compounds here, forcing drivers to use the hard tyre for qualifying and all three races. The circuit characteristics make it one of the hardest in the world for chassis and tyre engineers.

“Goodyear will also mandate specific pressure and camber settings based on our years of experience at this circuit.”

Goodyear successfully re-introduced the soft tyre at the last race at Brands Hatch, and this will be the first time that all three tyres will be available at a race weekend since Goodyear became the exclusive tyre supplier in 2020.

Snetterton’s ‘300’ layout used by BTCC features several long straights with a mix of low, medium and high-speed corners. The 2.97-mile circuit hosts rounds 7, 8 and 9 of the championship, with tyre strategy and performance set to be key features.

Goodyear’s tyre compounds are denoted by their distinctive coloured sidewall to help the hundreds of thousands of fans who attend BTCC and view the live coverage on ITV4. The softest in the range features a white sidewall, medium is yellow, and green branding on the hard. All three tyres must be used across the three races, with qualifying restricted to the medium compound. 

Michael Butler, Event Leader: “Snetterton is the ideal circuit to make all three of our dry tyres available. Its mix of high-, medium- and low-speed corners will challenge the drivers and teams to think strategically about their tyre usage, as well as adding another element for fans to follow. We also look forward to Croft in July where the same rules will apply.

“In particular, we saw at Brands Hatch that the soft tyre had a pace advantage early in the race, so choosing when to use the extra performance over the weekend will be a big topic of discussion in the garages and briefing rooms.”

When the championship embraced hybrid power in 2022, a single slick tyre was available at each round to give teams a consistent platform to develop the new technology. Now a year in, drivers and teams unanimously requested to bring back the Goodyear ‘Option’ to promote a wider variety of race strategies.

In 2023, three compounds (hard, medium, soft¹) will be available, with Goodyear nominating two for most rounds, excluding the first round in Donington Park where the medium was used, and the abrasive nature of Thruxton means only the hard will be available that weekend.

At Snetterton and Croft, drivers will be required to use all three Goodyear slicks.

This weekend at Brands Hatch, Goodyear has nominated the soft and medium compounds. Drivers are required to use the option tyre for one of the three races. In qualifying, all cars must use the medium. Teams are not required to specify their tyre choices in advance, only when cars leave the pitlane.

Michael Butler, Event Leader: “It will be excellent to see how the different tyre strategies play out throughout a weekend. It’s the first time since 2019 the soft tyre will be used, which adds another layer of strategy to the championship and is great for fans and spectators. With the support of drivers and teams, we have reintroduced a second compound at the majority of races.

“We expect to see a notable advantage for ‘Option’ tyre runners at the beginning of a race, but that will likely see the medium compound come into play as the race progresses. Drivers will have to think strategically to use the increased performance when it matters.”

^{(1) Soft tyre = white sidewall, medium tyre = yellow sidewall, hard tyre = green sidewall, wet tyre = blue sidewall.}

Colin Turkington has secured the top position for a second consecutive year in Goodyear’s Wingfoot Award, once again proving the BMW driver’s consistency and performance in qualifying across the British Touring Car Championship season. Finishing 8th in the final qualifying session of the year was enough to secure the 4-time BTCC champion his second Wingfoot Award trophy in as many years.

Maintaining a solid performance throughout the year, Turkington qualified within the top 10 in 9 qualifying sessions, collecting crucial points to extend his lead in the award standings. Taking only one pole position in the 2021 season, the victory shows proof that consistency and reliability across race weekends is key to success.

Into its second year, the Goodyear Wingfoot Award rewards points based on qualifying position in line with race points, with 20 points for the polesitter, 17 for second, 15 for third down to 1 point for 15th qualifying position.

Andy Marfleet, Marketing Director - Goodyear UK commented “It was a close competition in the Goodyear Wingfoot Award standings this year, with only 11 points between the top two drivers going into the final qualifying session. Colin has proven that consistency is key when it comes to qualifying, putting himself in prime position for the Wingfoot Award this year”

As Official Tyre Supplier to the BTCC, all cars are shod with Goodyear SuperSport race tyres supported by a dedicated team of tyre technicians across every race weekend to maximise the performance of every vehicle.

• Goodyear Tyres takes the lead as technical tyre partner while BTCC introduces hybrid power
• Deal will see the company enter third consecutive decade holding the title sponsorship rights
• 24 years of continuous investment in tyre development for BTCC field

UK, Birmingham, 21^st January, 2021 – Goodyear Tyres and TOCA, Series Organiser of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), have today announced that Goodyear will continue its long-standing partnership with the BTCC for another five years, through to the end of 2026 and through the introduction of hybrid power to the championship. 

This five-year partnership brings with it a number of accolades for the tyre company including owning the bragging rights to entering a third decade of continuous partnership in 2025 and investing nearly a quarter of a century (24 years) into non-stop tyre development through the company’s portfolio of brands. 

Throughout the decades, Goodyear has been at the forefront of tyre development for this cutting-edge series. The company has significantly influenced the performance of the cars as well as introducing RFID tagging, the soft, medium and hard compound options and a new tyre construction – helping to deliver one of the world’s most popular motorsport championships to an audience of tens of millions each year. As the championship goes to the next level with hybrid power, Goodyear will be implementing new tyre technologies accordingly.

Ben Crawley, Director Motorsport Goodyear Europe said: “We are thrilled to have signed yet another extension to our partnership with the BTCC, continuing as tyre supplier and retaining the naming rights to the championship. We were really drawn to the contract extension as we wanted to be part of the next exciting chapter of the championship. With the introduction of hybrid power, new demands will be put onto the tyres and we are able to bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to the programme thanks to our experience working with leading OEMs where we are shod on some of their hybrid and electric vehicles. 

“The fact that this contract also brings us fantastic milestones, such as entering a third decade of partnership, makes us feel really proud as we reflect on all of the fantastic things we have done as a company to promote and develop the championship, not only for the teams and drivers, but also the fans. We look forward to entering this new chapter with the UK’s leading racing championship.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “The BTCC having a strong technical tyre partner is a key component of our success. As well, being the first major touring car championship to confirm its pathway for introducing hybrid technology, Goodyear is a hugely significant part of it.

“This is a very exciting period for the championship, and I’m pleased that we will continue our partnership with Goodyear through to the end of 2026. Goodyear has been an incredibly proactive and engaged partner of the BTCC for so many years and their ongoing commitment will help the championship continue to thrive into the future.”

Colin Turkington won the inaugural Goodyear Wingfoot Award on Saturday, rewarding his impressive and consistent qualifying performance throughout the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season. 

Goodyear established the Wingfoot Award to celebrate the driver with the best qualifying results across the season, awarding points based on each driver’s qualifying positions at every race weekend. For this weekend’s season finale at Brands Hatch, Turkington qualified 8th to secure his title as the inaugural recipient of the Wingfoot Award. 

Turkington will be fighting for his fifth BTCC drivers’ championship on Sunday. The Team BMW driver currently leads the championship with 309 points, but four other drivers - Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish, Tom Ingram and Rory Butcher - are still in contention for the 2020 title. 

This weekend’s nail-biting finale brings to a close a thrilling BTCC season which has been Goodyear’s first since becoming Official Tyre Supplier. Every car on the BTCC grid races with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres, and the Goodyear team works closely with teams up and down the pitlane to maximise their performance. 

This dedication is particularly important for qualifying, where this season’s action has shown battles to be closer than ever. At Brands Hatch earlier in the season, Turkington and teammate Tom Oliphant crossed the line with the exact same lap time, down to the thousandth-of-a-second. In a field this competitive, Turkington’s consistency deserves to be rewarded. 

Andy Marfleet, Goodyear’s Marketing Director UK & Ireland, said: “Colin is a deserving winner of our Wingfoot Award. Qualifying sessions have been just as exciting as the races this season and we’re pleased to reward this important performance and recognise Colin’s success with the Goodyear Wingfoot Award. It’s been a fascinating BTCC season and we’re all eagerly awaiting the final races of the year.”

Speaking to ITV after receiving the Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy, Turkington said: “That’s been a great reward for our qualifying performances all year. It has been probably one of our biggest strengths, getting the car up onto the first couple of rows consistently, nearly every weekend. Of course that dictates such a big part of Sunday, so I think it’s a just reward.”

The 2020 British Touring Car Championship will crown its champion on Sunday with three races on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit. 

The accomplishment that the legendary Brabham dynasty has had within the motorsport world is unrivalled. Patriarch Sir Jack remains the only driver to this day to win a Formula 1 World Championship in a car of his own construction, cementing the triple world champion's status among the greats with a unique achievement.

Success has continued through three generations of the family, as prestigious titles came in sportscars for Jack's sons – including the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans for youngest son David, who is now at the forefront of a revival for the iconic marque with one of its historic partners.

The Brabham organization began in 1962 and a partnership with Goodyear followed three years later. Sir Jack’s iconic BT19 became the machine to beat in 1966, his third and final championship year. The cornerstone of the 1966 championship was Sir Jack’s four successive mid-season wins – including on the undulating Brands Hatch circuit and the daunting Nürburgring Nordschleife. Brabham also secured a unique double by also clinching the constructors' crown at Watkins Glen – Goodyear's home race.

This combination would win championships and races together through into the 1980s and Goodyear would contribute to over 50 world drivers’ or constructors’ championships and hundreds of race victories until 1997.

In 2019, Brabham Automotive and Goodyear reunited as the iconic pairing returned to the racetrack. The Brabham BT62 track day car carries on the tradition of the family's racing pedigree. The 700 horsepower, lightweight, 6-speed drive, aerodynamically advanced racer is designed with the same ideologies in mind that applies to any top race car.

The car is already a winner too. David took the chequered flag on the car's competitive debut later that year with co-driver Will Powell in the Britcar “Race into the Night” for sportscars, touring cars and production cars at a typically soaked Brands Hatch.

“When we launched the BT62, we launched it as the ultimate track car," David said. “If you look at the incredible history that Brabham has had in Formula 1, I kind of felt like it was my duty to bring the name back to life. And then all of a sudden, we thought 'right, we need to go racing'.

“We approached Goodyear, we did a test, and we tried their F1 SuperSport tyres, and it was just the perfect match. The balance between the car and the tyre and the driver was exactly what we needed, and we won."

Such is the range of Goodyear's tyres that it was the natural choice for the road-going version of the BT62 – the BT62R. This car is designed to be the pinnacle of its kind – striking the balance between peak performance on a track and comfort on the everyday roads, while also retaining many of the characteristics shared with the racing variant despite being road legal.

It is a unique demand for the differences in surfaces and characteristics between a racetrack and the city streets or a motorway and a tire must be ready for each of these scenarios.

This is where Goodyear's Eagle F1 SuperSport RS comes into play as the ideal solution for such a conundrum. These tyres are designed to deliver the performance desired for the track enthusiast while it can negotiate the everyday surfaces that dedicated racing tires are not suited to – making it the perfect companion for the BT62R.

“Racing is a part of both Goodyear and Brabham’s DNA, it’s a perfect platform for the two brands to work together,” said Ben Crawley, Director of Motorsports for Goodyear Europe. “When Goodyear develops tyres for a race car, they are bespoke, competition spec. When we translate that across to a road-going track car like the BT62R, our Eagle F1 SuperSport RS tires draw on that racing expertise.”

More than 50 years on from Sir Jack's famous title success with Goodyear, it is no secret that David's desire is for the marque to head to Le Mans and once more target some historic wins. With Goodyear already having a strong involvement in the legendary endurance race as the sole supplier of the ultra-competitive LMP2 class, major motorsport success for Brabham and Goodyear together once again is more than just a dream.

Concluding, David said: “the relationship between Goodyear and my father and the Brabham racing history was very much part of the ingredients of making this car the BT62R. To get the name back out there and where it is today with what we're doing means a lot to me and my family.

“It's a shame that my father wasn’t around to see this come to life but I’m sure he’d be pretty happy. The partnership between Goodyear and Brabham Automotive for our car on the track on the road is extremely important.”

• Goodyear Tyres takes the lead as technical tyre partner while BTCC introduces hybrid power
• Deal will see the company enter third consecutive decade holding the title sponsorship rights
• 24 years of continuous investment in tyre development for BTCC field

UK, Birmingham, 21^st January, 2021 – Goodyear Tyres and TOCA, Series Organiser of the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), have today announced that Goodyear will continue its long-standing partnership with the BTCC for another five years, through to the end of 2026 and through the introduction of hybrid power to the championship. 

This five-year partnership brings with it a number of accolades for the tyre company including owning the bragging rights to entering a third decade of continuous partnership in 2025 and investing nearly a quarter of a century (24 years) into non-stop tyre development through the company’s portfolio of brands. 

Throughout the decades, Goodyear has been at the forefront of tyre development for this cutting-edge series. The company has significantly influenced the performance of the cars as well as introducing RFID tagging, the soft, medium and hard compound options and a new tyre construction – helping to deliver one of the world’s most popular motorsport championships to an audience of tens of millions each year. As the championship goes to the next level with hybrid power, Goodyear will be implementing new tyre technologies accordingly.

Ben Crawley, Director Motorsport Goodyear Europe said: “We are thrilled to have signed yet another extension to our partnership with the BTCC, continuing as tyre supplier and retaining the naming rights to the championship. We were really drawn to the contract extension as we wanted to be part of the next exciting chapter of the championship. With the introduction of hybrid power, new demands will be put onto the tyres and we are able to bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to the programme thanks to our experience working with leading OEMs where we are shod on some of their hybrid and electric vehicles. 

“The fact that this contract also brings us fantastic milestones, such as entering a third decade of partnership, makes us feel really proud as we reflect on all of the fantastic things we have done as a company to promote and develop the championship, not only for the teams and drivers, but also the fans. We look forward to entering this new chapter with the UK’s leading racing championship.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “The BTCC having a strong technical tyre partner is a key component of our success. As well, being the first major touring car championship to confirm its pathway for introducing hybrid technology, Goodyear is a hugely significant part of it.

“This is a very exciting period for the championship, and I’m pleased that we will continue our partnership with Goodyear through to the end of 2026. Goodyear has been an incredibly proactive and engaged partner of the BTCC for so many years and their ongoing commitment will help the championship continue to thrive into the future.”

Colin Turkington won the inaugural Goodyear Wingfoot Award on Saturday, rewarding his impressive and consistent qualifying performance throughout the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season. 

Goodyear established the Wingfoot Award to celebrate the driver with the best qualifying results across the season, awarding points based on each driver’s qualifying positions at every race weekend. For this weekend’s season finale at Brands Hatch, Turkington qualified 8th to secure his title as the inaugural recipient of the Wingfoot Award. 

Turkington will be fighting for his fifth BTCC drivers’ championship on Sunday. The Team BMW driver currently leads the championship with 309 points, but four other drivers - Ash Sutton, Dan Cammish, Tom Ingram and Rory Butcher - are still in contention for the 2020 title. 

This weekend’s nail-biting finale brings to a close a thrilling BTCC season which has been Goodyear’s first since becoming Official Tyre Supplier. Every car on the BTCC grid races with Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport race tyres, and the Goodyear team works closely with teams up and down the pitlane to maximise their performance. 

This dedication is particularly important for qualifying, where this season’s action has shown battles to be closer than ever. At Brands Hatch earlier in the season, Turkington and teammate Tom Oliphant crossed the line with the exact same lap time, down to the thousandth-of-a-second. In a field this competitive, Turkington’s consistency deserves to be rewarded. 

Andy Marfleet, Goodyear’s Marketing Director UK & Ireland, said: “Colin is a deserving winner of our Wingfoot Award. Qualifying sessions have been just as exciting as the races this season and we’re pleased to reward this important performance and recognise Colin’s success with the Goodyear Wingfoot Award. It’s been a fascinating BTCC season and we’re all eagerly awaiting the final races of the year.”

Speaking to ITV after receiving the Goodyear Wingfoot Award trophy, Turkington said: “That’s been a great reward for our qualifying performances all year. It has been probably one of our biggest strengths, getting the car up onto the first couple of rows consistently, nearly every weekend. Of course that dictates such a big part of Sunday, so I think it’s a just reward.”

The 2020 British Touring Car Championship will crown its champion on Sunday with three races on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit. 

154 days since the last race at Valkenswaard, Netherlands, Glenn Coldenhoff restarted the FIM Motocross World Championship season off in winning form, taking victory with Dunlop tyres at Kegums, Latvia. 

The Dutch rider gave the new Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing Team its maiden win on Sunday afternoon after a tense late-race battle in the second of two rounds in the MXGP of Latvia. Earlier in the day, Coldenhoff narrowly missed out on the Race 1 win by 1.9 seconds. 

The hard sand surface of the Kegums track in central Latvia provided fascinating racing in a new condensed one-day format for MXGP and MX2 competitors, but Coldenhoff proved himself to be the stand-out rider of the day with impressive starts in both 30 minute + 2 laps races. 

He took the lead early in Race 1 but slipped back to second when he ran off track. Hungry to go one better in Race 2, the GasGas rider grabbed the lead and won the holeshot on the first lap and never looked back.

More of Dunlop’s star MXGP riders had good days at Kegums, including Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team), who placed third in both races, and Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), who crossed the line sixth on both occasions. 

Dunlop’s MXGP competitors will be back in action in just a couple of days’ time, with more races on the same track on Wednesday (12 August) and next Sunday (16 August). 

Eddy Seel, MXGP Event Leader, Dunlop: “It was great to see MXGP return to action after a five-month break, and even better that Coldenhoff and GasGas took a memorable victory with Dunlop Geomax tyres. With four more races on the same track over the next week, our partner teams can fight for even more wins soon.”

Dunlop teams occupy the top three positions in the FIM Endurance World Championship teams’ standings heading into the historic 24 Heures Motos this weekend, and Dunlop is ready to help them fight for a historic race win on the Le Mans Bugatti circuit. 

The FIM EWC season resumes with the 43rd edition of the 24-hour endurance race at Le Mans after a lengthy gap since the last round, the 8 Hours of Sepang in December. While the championship hasn’t raced for eight months, Dunlop has been working closely with its partner teams to head to Le Mans as prepared as possible. 

After the two races already held this season, the three leading motorcycle racing teams at the top of the championship standings are all running Dunlop tyres on different manufacturers’ bikes. Suzuki Endurance Racing Team leads the charge, ahead of BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team and the Yamaha of Wojcik Racing Team.

A notable addition to the field is Wojcik Racing Team’s new rider Broc Parkes, who will share the No. 77 Yamaha YZF-R1 with Gino Rea, Axel Maurin and Marcelli Bezulski. Australian racer Parkes previously raced in MotoGP, Superbike World Championship and Supersport World Championship and is a proven addition to the Wojcik squad.

Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop, said: “I’m really excited about Le Mans, and Dunlop is in a great position with the top three bikes in the championship. The addition of Broc Parkes at Wojcik Racing Team is great to see, and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do for them. We’ve been hard at work preparing for Le Mans and we tested at the track in July. We know the track very well and we’ve raced there for many years, so we’re confident that we can give the highest level of support to our teams.

“We’ve been working alongside our official partner teams to help them prepare for what is always a tough race. Suzuki and BMW have made important developments on their bikes and we’ve been in close contact with them and other teams to assist. I’m eager to see how these developments will help these leading teams have an edge over the competition.”

As always in the highly competitive FIM EWC, Dunlop will provide a combination of standard KR tyres and unique development tyres. The KR series of slicks, including the KR106 and KR109 fronts and the KR108 rear tyre, are proven race-winners, but Dunlop’s official partner teams in the top class will also have the opportunity to race unique development tyres. The data gathered from racing these tyres at the highest level of two-wheel endurance competition goes directly into producing the next generation of road and track tyres.

To supply the official partner teams and the 18 teams racing in the EWC Dunlop Independent Trophy, Dunlop will bring around 3,500 tyres to the track. The EWC Dunlop Independent Trophy has awarded prize money to privateer and amateur teams for four years, and will distribute a further €40,000 to independent teams at Le Mans, providing vital financial support to privateer teams competing on the world stage.

The 24 Heures Motos was initially set to be followed by another historic 24-hour race in France, the Bol d’Or, but that event has now been cancelled. The FIM EWC season will now conclude on 27 September with the new 12 Hours of Estoril in Portugal. 

154 days since the last race at Valkenswaard, Netherlands, Glenn Coldenhoff restarted the FIM Motocross World Championship season off in winning form, taking victory with Dunlop tyres at Kegums, Latvia. 

The Dutch rider gave the new Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing Team its maiden win on Sunday afternoon after a tense late-race battle in the second of two rounds in the MXGP of Latvia. Earlier in the day, Coldenhoff narrowly missed out on the Race 1 win by 1.9 seconds. 

The hard sand surface of the Kegums track in central Latvia provided fascinating racing in a new condensed one-day format for MXGP and MX2 competitors, but Coldenhoff proved himself to be the stand-out rider of the day with impressive starts in both 30 minute + 2 laps races. 

He took the lead early in Race 1 but slipped back to second when he ran off track. Hungry to go one better in Race 2, the GasGas rider grabbed the lead and won the holeshot on the first lap and never looked back.

More of Dunlop’s star MXGP riders had good days at Kegums, including Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team), who placed third in both races, and Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), who crossed the line sixth on both occasions. 

Dunlop’s MXGP competitors will be back in action in just a couple of days’ time, with more races on the same track on Wednesday (12 August) and next Sunday (16 August). 

Eddy Seel, MXGP Event Leader, Dunlop: “It was great to see MXGP return to action after a five-month break, and even better that Coldenhoff and GasGas took a memorable victory with Dunlop Geomax tyres. With four more races on the same track over the next week, our partner teams can fight for even more wins soon.”

154 days since the last race at Valkenswaard, Netherlands, Glenn Coldenhoff restarted the FIM Motocross World Championship season off in winning form, taking victory with Dunlop tyres at Kegums, Latvia. 

The Dutch rider gave the new Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing Team its maiden win on Sunday afternoon after a tense late-race battle in the second of two rounds in the MXGP of Latvia. Earlier in the day, Coldenhoff narrowly missed out on the Race 1 win by 1.9 seconds. 

The hard sand surface of the Kegums track in central Latvia provided fascinating racing in a new condensed one-day format for MXGP and MX2 competitors, but Coldenhoff proved himself to be the stand-out rider of the day with impressive starts in both 30 minute + 2 laps races. 

He took the lead early in Race 1 but slipped back to second when he ran off track. Hungry to go one better in Race 2, the GasGas rider grabbed the lead and won the holeshot on the first lap and never looked back.

More of Dunlop’s star MXGP riders had good days at Kegums, including Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team), who placed third in both races, and Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), who crossed the line sixth on both occasions. 

Dunlop’s MXGP competitors will be back in action in just a couple of days’ time, with more races on the same track on Wednesday (12 August) and next Sunday (16 August). 

Eddy Seel, MXGP Event Leader, Dunlop: “It was great to see MXGP return to action after a five-month break, and even better that Coldenhoff and GasGas took a memorable victory with Dunlop Geomax tyres. With four more races on the same track over the next week, our partner teams can fight for even more wins soon.”

The FIM Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships roar back into action this weekend after a break of over four months and Dunlop is ready to support teams in what is expected to be one of the hottest race weekends of the season.

Moto2 and Moto3 competitors have so far only raced once this year, in the season-opening QNB Grand Prix of Qatar in early March, which was held just before restrictions on travel and events were put in place around the world in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The revised Moto2 and Moto3 calendars now see both championships return to action at Circuito de Jerez in Andalusia for the Gran Premio Red Bull de España on 19 July, the first half of a double-header that is resumed at the same track on 26 July.

Tetsuta Nagashima (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and Albert Arenas (Aspar Team Gaviota) lead the Moto2 and Moto3 standings after their wins in Qatar but, as always, both classes are expected to produce a lot of surprises at Jerez.

As exclusive tyre supplier to both categories, Dunlop is adopting a proven approach to the two Grands Prix at Jerez, facilitating teams’ return to the paddock after a lengthy break and difficult period for all.

Stephen Bickley, Senior Race Engineer explains: “With all the unknowns and confusion from the current situation, we want to keep everything as simple as possible for everyone involved. In Moto2, we introduced a larger front tyre at Qatar, going from 120/75R17 to 125/75R17, and that was instantly a success. We want to build on this at Jerez, where last year we also debuted a larger rear tyre. The new 2020 front is a very good match with that rear tyre, and teams are finding it helps with consistency and lap times.”

At Qatar the 2020 pole time was 0.6 km/h faster than the previous year and a full 5 km/h faster than in Moto2’s debut year a decade ago, showing the relentless pace improvement in this highly competitive category.

Hot weather to play a major role

Heat will be a major factor at Jerez, with ambient temperatures of up to 40ºC forecasted, compared to last year’s peak of around 26ºC. Moving the race from early May to mid-late July has made a considerable change to weather conditions, and is likely to make this one of the hottest races of the season under the Spanish sun.

Moto2 teams will have the Medium and Hard front compounds and Medium and Medium-Hard rear compounds to choose from. The Medium specs are expected to be the most popular choice on both wheels, but teams might opt for the Hard front tyre to benefit from more stability in the track’s heavy braking zones given the higher temperatures.

Bickley notes Jerez’s Turns 3 and 4, a pair of sweeping left-handers, as the most challenging section of the 4.4 km track for tyre performance: “It’s mostly a right-hand turn circuit, which means that even when you are generating a lot of heat and energy through Turns 3 and 4, it doesn’t negatively impact the tyres because it is on the non-working side for most of the lap. That's why we've chosen compounds and specifications that have been proven to tackle the challenges of the heat, fast corners and heavy braking and traction zones.”

Rider preference key to Moto3 tyre choices

Riders in the lightweight Moto3 category can choose between Soft and Medium front tyres and Soft and Hard rear tyres at every race this season. It’s expected that each rider’s personal preference will dictate their choices at Jerez, with benefits to be had from both harder and softer compounds.

Gary Purdy, Race Service Engineer, says: “It’s all about rider choice in Moto3. Some will prefer the stability of the harder compounds but others will want the additional grip from the Soft tyres.”

Colin was able to draw a direct comparison between the race and road tyres as he switched from his usual BMW 330i MSport BTCC car on Goodyear racing slick tyres to the Goodyear’s own BMW M2 Competition test car, gripped by the latest Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres.

It made for an interesting comparison. The BTCC car has over 350hp and weighs 1280kg. Its roadgoing cousin actually has 50bhp more, but weighs over 350kgs more - the equivalent of having three passengers on board!

Colin was impressed with the Eagle F1 SuperSport tyres fitted to the M2, remarking: “I’m seriously impressed by the very direct feel, the front of the car points straight away towards the apex. That’s what I want on the race track.

“Donington is tough on tyres, with a couple of corners such as the Old Hairpin and Macleans where I’m braking hard and turning at the same time. Nevertheless, the response and stability gives me the confidence to attack fast corners. The stiffer sidewall gives me the feel and feedback I need in these fast curves.”

Colin has won 51 BTCC races since his debut in the UK’s leading racing championship in 2002, with 37 of those wins being at the wheel of a BMW. This year will be his first season on Goodyear tyres after the tyre brand chose to enter the BTCC to build on the launch of its Eagle F1 SuperSport range of road tyres and its successful return to European and International sportscar racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) earlier this season.

Teams competing in MXGP, the highest level of motocross, have a free choice of tyres. In recent years, Dunlop has been providing its latest tyre technology to race-winning teams, most notably Monster Energy Kawasaki and also Standing Construct, who ran KTM bikes in 2019 and switch to GasGas this year. 

Having chosen to move to Dunlop at the start of last season, Standing Construct’s riders celebrated five victories from the last eight races, most notably Dutch rider Glenn Coldenhoff taking back to back overall victories in Italy and Sweden as well as wins at the season-ending Motocross of Nations.

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO said: “Dunlop has been at the heart of motorsport since the very beginning. We are proud to have such a premium brand actively using MXGP to promote their race-winning tyres. We are delighted they see MXGP as more than a promotional platform, too. The open tyre competition makes MXGP a fantastic arena to develop new technologies and products. Dunlop’s recent launches prove that motorsport can drive innovation.”

Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop added: “MXGP gives us the opportunity to test our latest off-road technology in the most demanding and gruelling events in the world. Our range of tyres, including the versatile Geomax MX33, have been developed in the heat of competition. As a result, amateur, local and national riders can buy the same tyres that have been developed and used by MXGP race winners. It’s a true proving ground for tyre innovation.”

Late last year, Dunlop launched the Geomax MX53 for harder terrain and cited the MXGP experience as being key to testing the technology in the tyre.

Dunlop also benefits from the growing audiences who follow MXGP events. The events feature live streaming, fan zones in the paddock and strong global media coverage. 

The FIM MXGP World Championship begins with the British Grand Prix at Matterley Basin on 1 March.

Teams competing in MXGP, the highest level of motocross, have a free choice of tyres. In recent years, Dunlop has been providing its latest tyre technology to race-winning teams, most notably Monster Energy Kawasaki and also Standing Construct, who ran KTM bikes in 2019 and switch to GasGas this year. 

Having chosen to move to Dunlop at the start of last season, Standing Construct’s riders celebrated five victories from the last eight races, most notably Dutch rider Glenn Coldenhoff taking back to back overall victories in Italy and Sweden as well as wins at the season-ending Motocross of Nations.

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO said: “Dunlop has been at the heart of motorsport since the very beginning. We are proud to have such a premium brand actively using MXGP to promote their race-winning tyres. We are delighted they see MXGP as more than a promotional platform, too. The open tyre competition makes MXGP a fantastic arena to develop new technologies and products. Dunlop’s recent launches prove that motorsport can drive innovation.”

Wim Van Achter, Motorsport Manager, Dunlop added: “MXGP gives us the opportunity to test our latest off-road technology in the most demanding and gruelling events in the world. Our range of tyres, including the versatile Geomax MX33, have been developed in the heat of competition. As a result, amateur, local and national riders can buy the same tyres that have been developed and used by MXGP race winners. It’s a true proving ground for tyre innovation.”

Late last year, Dunlop launched the Geomax MX53 for harder terrain and cited the MXGP experience as being key to testing the technology in the tyre.

Dunlop also benefits from the growing audiences who follow MXGP events. The events feature live streaming, fan zones in the paddock and strong global media coverage. 

The FIM MXGP World Championship begins with the British Grand Prix at Matterley Basin on 1 March.

Fast Bikes, the UK-based monthly magazine, has published the results of its back-to-back test of leading treaded track day tyres and declared the Dunlop D213 GP Pro as the top tyre in the category.

Fast Bikes’ test rider, Carl Stevens, who is also an experienced race rider, rode on five different brands of tyre at the demanding Parcmotor Castelloli circuit. The latest generation Suzuki GSX-R1000 was used for the test.

Stevens enthused about the D213 GP Pro:  “No other tyre on test seemed to offer up that feeling of initial grip, and ultimately confidence, that the Dunlop simply oozed”.

He was able to set a faster lap time on the Dunlop than any of the other four tyre brands, and was a full second quicker on the D213 GP Pro than on one competitor, a huge margin in track performance. Stevens added: “I’ve never felt so much confidence cracking open the throttle with so much ferocity as I had on the D213GPs. The front was utterly spellbinding in its ability to pull into apexes like a magnet”.

He also praised the rear performance: “It just handled all the abuse I threw its way and took it in its stride. A tyre that does everything it’s asked of and a whole lot more. What else do you need?”

The D213 GP Pro features Jointless belt (JLB) construction. The latest JLB front tyre design features three plies which are proven to control the deformation of the tyre under high centrifugal forces and when leaning over into corners at speed. This new JLB construction has also been designed to provide additional precision and stability under heavy braking. On the rear tyre, the Mono Ply high tensile Aramid JLB provides the benefit of a strong but lightweight carcass providing an extremely high level of predictability, feedback and performance consistency.

Luca Davide Andreoni, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe stated: “In addition to being a magazine test winner, the D213 GP Pro is a proven race winner in events that mandate a treaded tyre. It’s been used to win Superstock and Supersport races across the world, including at the Isle of Man TT. We are thrilled that Fast Bikes have declared Dunlop as the winner in a tough tyre test.”

The D213 GP Pro sits atop Dunlop’s wide hypersport range, which also features the GP Racer D212 for track days, the SportSmart TT for a mix of road and track and the SportSmart Mk3 for road use.

After a successful Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at the end of 2019 in which five out of the seven races were won by Dunlop riders, the tyre manufacturer heads into the FIM World Motocross Championship (MXGP) opening round, held at Matterley Basin, UK, full of confidence that they can continue that success. 

The 1.95km track has a hard pack surface and poses a unique challenge for all riders, teams and tyre manufacturers. 

Eddy Seel, Dunlop’s MXGP Event Leader, explains Dunlop’s technical development for 2020: “For the hard-packed soil surface of Matterley Basin, Dunlop riders will benefit from the newly developed MX53 tyre. The tyre’s tread block pattern and compounds have been specifically designed to perform on hard surfaces but with the versatility to grip on looser soil too.

“This technology will provide riders with the confidence and performance to challenge consistently for race victories.” 

Dunlop - MXGP tyre technical partnership

This season Dunlop will be supplying tyres and providing technical support to three top MXGP teams; Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and the Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP.

Standing Construct GasGas rider Glenn Coldenhoff most notably benefited from Dunlop’s continuous tyre development and technology by winning four out of the last eight MXGP races.

Tim Mathys, Standing Construct GasGas MXGP Team Principal describes working with Dunlop: “Having a strong relationship with Dunlop has been vital to our success, Dunlop’s continuous tyre development and instant feedback have allowed the team to head into each weekend confident that the tyre will perform on any surface or condition.” 

FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX)

Matterley Basin also hosts the opening round of WMX. In 2019, every round of the championship was won by a Dunlop rider. World Champion, Courtney Duncan, returns and will face a tough challenge from another top Dunlop star, Kiara Fontanesi. She returns after a year of maternity but aims to pick up where she left off in 2018. That season was her fifth world championship title on Dunlop tyres, meaning six of the last seven women’s world championships have been won by riders who chose Dunlop Geomax.

MX53 - revolutionary tyre

Launched at the MXoN, the Dunlop Geomax MX53 sits between the ‘super-hard’ terrain MX71 and the highly versatile MX33 in Dunlop’s wide Geomax portfolio.

The MX53 has been developed with a revolutionary tread design that provides traction, durability and improved rider confidence. Featuring a horseshoe-shaped pattern on the front and a distinctive staggered paired blocks on the rear, the MX53 is optimised to perform on both soft and hard terrain.

The first round of the FIM World Motocross Championship is held at Matterley Basin, UK on March 1. 

Goodyear is developing a bespoke tyre for Pure ETCR which will incorporate a combination of technologies inspired by Goodyear’s latest electric vehicle tyres and the new Eagle F1 SuperSport ultra-high performance range. The definitive specification of tyre will be unveiled in the Spring, ahead of the first Pure ETCR event.

A proven motorsport construction will be used, but with a treaded design that means Pure ETCR drivers can use the same tyres in both wet and dry conditions, reducing the number of tyres that need to be taken to each event. This aligns with Goodyear and Pure ETCR’s mission of working together to find sustainable solutions for the future of mobility and motorsport.

Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear Europe, said: “Goodyear is a leader in electric vehicle tyre development. In Europe, half of our original equipment tyre developments are for EVs and hybrids.

“We bring a great deal of experience to ETCR in developing tyres for electric vehicles. High-performance road electric vehicles have very different needs to their petrol or diesel equivalents. They are heavier and have more torque, delivered immediately. Goodyear has developed tyres that can cope with this instant power delivery, delivering high grip and traction hand in hand with low rolling resistance to increase range and efficiency. Our partnership with Pure ETCR is much more than just supplying race tyres. Together, we will use racing to develop technology to thrill the next generation of high-performance driver.”

Pure ETCR will be promoted by Eurosport Events; the same organisation behind the WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup, which Goodyear will also supply in 2020, and will feature high-performance production-based cars representing numerous manufacturers.

The radical event format, which is based around a number of short, action-packed, wheel-to-wheel heats building towards a Grand Final, requires tyres with instant performance. For Goodyear, the focus will be on ensuring the tyres have rapid warm-up times as well as the consistency to be raced hard throughout the event. This means the drivers can go flat out from the very beginning of a race.

François Ribeiro, Head of Eurosport Events, the Pure ETCR promoter, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Goodyear to Pure ETCR as a founding partner of the series. Goodyear has a unique racing legacy and is all about performance and innovation; a perfect partner for our new modern electric racing flagship. This venture perfectly complements our partnership with Goodyear in WTCR, which we also expect to be highly successful. With a bespoke high-performance, all-weather design, fewer tyres need to be produced for Pure ETCR and this aligns perfectly with our sustainability commitments. We have no doubt that Goodyear will be a first-class partner on the technical and marketing fronts of Pure ETCR, a great platform to activate Goodyear #backtoracing.”

Goodyear’s return to motorsport

Since the announcement of Goodyear’s return to international motorsport last Summer, the tyre manufacturer has taken an FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 win with Jota Sport, and Jackie Chan DC Racing heads the title race. Goodyear’s comeback also includes becoming the official tyre supplier for FIA World Touring Car Cup, returning to German and UK motorsport (as the new sole tyre supplier for the British Touring Car Championship) and supplying tyres to leading European Le Mans Series teams.

• Moto2 race to headline opening GP weekend

• Larger front tyre features a new compound to improve braking

• SuperSoft and Medium front tyre specifications will feature in Qatar

The FIM Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Championships seasons start in Qatar on March 8. The Losail International Circuit plays host to 62 of the world’s fastest riders, kicking off a season that culminates in Valencia on November 15. 

Featuring 16 turns, six left and ten right, the 5.3km (3.2miles) Losail International Circuit provides a stern test for riders, teams and tyre manufacturers. As a night race, the drop in track temperature creates a challenge for tyre warm-up and heat generation. In testing, there was 38c to 18c meaning Dunlop has to develop a compound with a versatile range of performance. 

Moto2 becomes headline act

Due to the coronavirus-related travel restrictions forcing the cancellation of the MotoGP category, the Moto2 race will become the headline race. The riders and teams were already in Qatar having been testing last week, so are unaffected by the restriction. Fans will be able to experience a new level in Moto2 pace, thanks in part to the intensive tyre development from Dunlop. 

In testing, Jorge Navarro (Beta Tools Speed Up) topped the times. His 1.58.52 lap, set on a race-length run, was not only faster than the 2019 lap record, but it was less than a second away from several of the fastest laps in the MotoGP race of 2010. This illustrates the improvement in pace in a decade of Dunlop-equipped Moto2 racing.

Larger front tyre - later braking and increased stability

After extensive testing and positive feedback from Dunlop test riders Xavier Simeon and Nico Terol, who work closely with the tyre research & development team, Dunlop has decided to introduce a larger tyre size for the 2020 season. In Qatar, these will be available in SuperSoft and Medium compounds.

Last year, Dunlop increased the size of the rear tyre and the new larger front will work in harmony with this. One feature of the new Dunlop front is the development of a larger footprint with a bigger surface area, generating more grip and stability through the corners. Another area of development is the introduction of a new compound that allows for later and harder braking compared to the previous generation of fronts. 

Stephen Bickley, Senior Race Engineer, explains the technology behind the brand new front tyre range: “The new Moto2 front is a larger 125/75R17, replacing the previous 120/75R17, but the dimensions are not the only difference with the new tyre. The 2020 front range features a new compound and a brand-new carcass incorporating Jointless Belt technology (JLB). This provides reinforcement in the tyre construction which controls the growth of the tyre at speed, improving handling. 

“From the start of the European season, the 2020 front tyre range will be simplified with three options: Soft, Medium and Hard.”

One of the most demanding corners at Qatar is the long, linked curve from Turn 10 to 11. It’s taken as one curve and means riders are working the left-hand side of the tyre for over half a kilometre, with peak tyre temperatures of over 120c, on a circuit where the majority of corners are right-handers. Dunlop has worked on the tyre design to retain heat throughout the lap so the riders are able to tackle this challenge with confidence.

Rear tyre development continues

Dunlop’s continuous tyre development is not just focused on the front tyre performance. Dunlop is developing a brand new SuperSoft rear tyre for the Austrian and Japanese GPs but may introduce it earlier in the season. At Losail, the Moto2 riders will have the choice between a Medium and Medium-Hard specification.

Moto3 - tyre choice spices up race strategy

For the Moto3™ season, Dunlop will continue to supply soft and hard specifications of front and rear tyres to the 32 riders competing across 20 rounds in 2020. The distinct differences between the tyres force teams to make strategy choices, further spicing up one of the most intensely-fought championships in motorsport.

Gary Purdy, Dunlop’s Lead Trackside Support Engineer, describes the Moto3™ tyre allocation: “For 2020 we have decided to continue with the soft and hard tyre allocation after an extremely positive response from riders and teams in 2019. The soft and hard tyre allocation has created more variation and overtaking throughout a highly competitive season.”

Qatar Track Facts:

Length: 5.380km

Left Turns: 6 Right Turns: 10

Energy level: mid/high

Left: right bias 40%/60%