Goodyear sole tyre supplier to LMGT3 in WEC & ELMS from 2024

In a three-year deal beginning in 2024, Goodyear will become exclusive tyre supplier to the LMGT3 category in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the European Le Mans Series (ELMS). The FIA World Motor Sport Council selected Goodyear following the tender launched by the FIA and ACO last December.

The new class will replace WEC’s current LMGTE Am and ELMS’ LMGTE categories next year, and Goodyear anticipates that it will become a favourite with fans, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as the field of racers will “include some of the most recognisable and desirable sports car brands on the planet.” From a technical perspective, Goodyear foresees that the combination of front, mid and rear-engine cars will create close racing and present it with an “interesting development challenge.”

New LMGT3 tyres

Goodyear will draw upon its experience in international GT3 and GTE to develop new tyres for the category. In endurance racing, Goodyear is currently the exclusive supplier to the LMP2 category in WEC and both LMP2 and LMGTE in ELMS. The tyre maker comments that the addition of LMGT3 to the Goodyear portfolio “strengthens its position within international motorsport.”

Development is already underway, with several tests planned throughout 2023 in Europe and North America. Goodyear will use a variety of circuits to develop and evaluate the tyre before it enters competition, with a focus on some of the most demanding tracks for tyres. Several GT3 manufacturers will be involved in the testing process.

Like other endurance projects, tyre longevity will be a key focus. As a minimum, Goodyear aims to achieve double stints at all Grand Prix circuits and triple stints at Le Mans. It says further details about the tyre development will be revealed in due course.

Fascinating technical challenge

“We’re excited to begin a new era with LMGT3 in WEC. The news is a testament to Goodyear’s commitment to its long-term racing programme, and everyone in the team looks forward to an exciting 2024 season and beyond,” says Ben Crawley, Goodyear’s director of motorsport EMEA.

“The new category poses a fascinating technical challenge. There are a wide variety of cars in the category, and the new tyre needs to meet the demands of them all. 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. We are developing the new tyre by combining new technologies with our experience and expertise gained in other championships worldwide.”