A new multi-year contract has been agreed between the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the FIA World Endurance Championship, the European Le Mans Series and Goodyear which will see the global tyre manufacturer become official and exclusive tyre supplier to the LMP2 category of the WEC and ELMS and a premium partner to the WEC.Â
The decision to appoint Goodyear as a single tyre supplier for the LMP2 class reinforces the relationship between the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the leading World and European endurance championships and one of the most successful tyre companies in the history of motorsport.Â
The new contract to supply all LMP2 entrants in the WEC begins with the 8-round 2020/2021 season which starts at Silverstone next September, goes on to race on four continents around the world, and has its climax at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June 2021. This exclusive supply of tyres in the WEC has been introduced in order to achieve the performance objectives, high standards and competitiveness of the LMP2 cars, without incurring additional investment from competitors. The supply of tyres to all LMP2 entries in the ELMS will begin in April 2021.Â
In addition, Goodyear will also increase its brand visibility on and off track to support the launch of a new range of tyres featuring motorsport-derived technology. This will include track and pit lane branding plus significantly increased marketing and media activation.Â
Mike Rytokoski, Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, Consumer EMEA at Goodyear: “Goodyear has a long and remarkable history in motorsport. In addition to our unbeaten record in Formula One with 368 Grand Prix wins, we have 14 overall wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This partnership allows us to showcase our technology, durability and performance in the most famous endurance race in the world. We are proud to have been chosen for this challenge.”Â
Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Goodyear’s heritage at Le Mans includes some of the most iconic victories from the 1960s to the 1990s. We are delighted that such a well-known, worldwide brand, built on a winning pedigree, has chosen the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the WEC and ELMS to prove their technology in the most demanding of racing environments. Their commitment to the future of endurance racing is inspiring and echoes the ethos of the ACO and all our endurance racing championships.”Â
Gérard Neveu, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series: “Since announcing its comeback this year, Goodyear’s commitment to top level performance has been very impressive. To win a World Championship’s LMP2 class at only the third attempt shows the investment, technology and dedication of the Goodyear team. We are proud to have Goodyear as a premium partner in WEC and ELMS, and our LMP2 teams will benefit from high level professional support to ensure the continuing close competition in the category.”
