Goodyear Lands Exclusive Tire Supply of LMP2 in WEC, ELMS

Goodyear has been confirmed as the exclusive LMP2 tire supplier in the FIA World Endurance Championship from the 2020-21 season and in the European Le Mans Series from 2021.

The American company, which bases its motorsport operations in Europe, will equip teams with the Goodyear Eagle SuperSport race tire in both competitions.

Its confirmation as the sole LMP2 supplier effectively takes away the WEC class tire war that currently exists between Goodyear and Michelin.

Last month, the series announced Michelin as the exclusive tire brand in the upcoming Le Mans Hypercar category, which will sit above LMP2 in terms of performance.

Goodyear’s supply of both the WEC and the ELMS means LMP2 cars will be served by a single manufacturer at the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2021.

The company’s activities in the ELMS top category begins at the start of the 2021 season, while the WEC term will begin earlier at the 6 Hours of Silverstone in September 2020.

Goodyear announced its return to international motorsport this summer, effectively replacing Dunlop, and currently provides tires to four cars on the full-season 2019-20 WEC grid.

Its activities are set to ramp up next year with an increased presence in sports car racing and the British Touring Car Championship.

Goodyear will work with LMP2 teams in the European Le Mans Series, which will remain open in 2020, and GTE teams as the exclusive supplier.

The company’s vice president and chief marketing officer Mike Rytokoski said, “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.”

Goodyear claimed its first WEC victory in last month’s 4 Hours of Shanghai with the JOTA squad running an Oreca 07 Gibson.

“Since announcing its comeback this year, Goodyear’s commitment to top-level performance has been very impressive,” said WEC and ELMS CEO Gerard Neveu.

“To win a World Championship LMP2 class [race] 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.”