Goodyear named exclusive WEC GT3 race tire supplier

PARIS—Goodyear has secured the contract to be the exclusive supplier of race tires for three years to the LMGT3 category in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), beginning in 2024.

The deal essentially extends Goodyear's existing contract to supply the WEC's LMGTE Am and ELMS' LMGTE categories, which it secured in 2019, and complements the tire maker's supply deal for the WEC's LMP2 endurance prototype category.

The new contract covers a wide range of sports and touring cars classified under the FIA's GT3 category regulations.

Goodyear's appointment as the tire supplier comes as a result of the tender launched by the FIA and the ACO last December and was approved by members of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Being named the GT3 tire supplier is a "testament to Goodyear's commitment to its long-term racing program," Ben Crawley, director of motorsport Europe/Middle East/Asia, said, noting that Goodyear will draw on its experience and expertise gained in other championships in developing the tires for the category.

"The new category poses a fascinating technical challenge," he said. "During the testing process we will work directly with some of the leading GT3 manufacturers, which will produce different challenges due to their varying engine configuration and setup philosophies."

The GT3 field will include some of the most recognizable and desirable sports car brands on the planet, Goodyear said, and will include front-, mid- and rear-engined cars competing under the FIA's "balance of power" regulations designed to promote close racing.

Basically speaking, GT3 regulations allow for a wide variety of car types to be homologated, provided they fall within a few parameters, such as weighing between 2,645 and 2,866 pounds and have horsepower ratings of between 500 and 600 hp.

The sanctioning body, in this case the FIA, can adjust a number of performance parameters, such as horsepower, weight, engine management and/or aerodynamics, to prevent any single car type from becoming too dominant.

Development of tires for the 2024 season is under way, with several tests planned throughout 2023 in Europe and North America, including testing sessions with a number of GT3-spec car manufacturers.

Like other endurance projects, tire longevity will be a key focus, Goodyear said. At a minimum, Goodyear said it aims to achieve double stints at all Grand Prix circuits and triple stints at Le Mans.

The two racing series' events are held predominantly in Europe. In 2023, the WEC will hold four races in Europe, one is Asia, one in the U.S. and one in the Middle East. Most races are at least six hours in length. There are 20 entries in the LMGT classes for the 2023 season, including teams running Aston Martin Vantage, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari 488 and Porsche 911 RSR models.

Goodyear's sports car racing operations are headquartered at its plant in Hanau, Germany.