Yokohama pledges continued support for young racers

With its tyres used by competitors in more than 26 motorsport championships in the UK alone, Yokohama continued its support in 2016 for young drivers across the three main motorsport disciplines; circuit racing, rallying and rallycross.

On track, Yokohama’s Advan A021R was used as the control tyre for the Junior Saloon Car Championship. Designed to bridge the gap between karts and saloon cars, the 18 round Championship was clinched by Katie Milner.

In rallying, Yokohama continued its support of The Next Big Step, a programme designed to support the progression of talented young drivers from Junior to British Rally Championship level and beyond. For 2016, Yokohama supported Ed Fossey and Aaron McClure who returned to the BTRDA Mixed Surface series for the third year. Continuing their development, both drivers gained valuable experience of Yokohama’s gravel Advan A035 tyre and A006T and A048 tarmac tyres. Playing such an important role in the development of young British rally drivers, Yokohama will continue to support The Next Big Step into 2017.

Meanwhile in Rallycross, Yokohama was used again as the control tyre for the Swift Sport category of the MSA British Rallycross Championship, in both the junior and senior classes, which was eventually won by Nathan Heathcote.

“2016 was another great year for Yokohama at race tracks and rally stages across the UK,” comments Mark Evans, head of motorsport for Yokohama HPT Ltd. “Our tyres were used by a wealth of competitors, including many youngsters who we are proud to support and hopefully help develop into the champions of tomorrow.”

In addition to Yokohama’s UK motorsport activities, the company continued its high-profile support of many international and global series.

Yokohama’s Advan A005 and A006 tyres continued to be used by all competitors in the FIA World Touring Car Championship, which was eventually won by Argentinian José Maria López in his Citroën C-Elysée. Meanwhile in Japan, Yokohama tyres continued to be used in the Super Formula Series as well as the Japanese Formula 3 Championship.

“We have secured a number of exciting ongoing and new motorsport series for 2017,” adds Evans. “Furthermore, we will be launching new products to our range in January which will make our teams and drivers even more competitive.”