Goodyear in Bahrain for World Endurance Championship finale with all titles to be decided

Tyre supplier looks forward to new LMGT3 WEC category that will replace LMP2 in 2024

The pit lane at Bahrain International Circuit (Photo: Goodyear)

The FIA World Endurance Championship 2023 finale is underway in Bahrain. The drivers’ and constructors’ championships will be decided, alongside the Goodyear Wingfoot Award, in which Filipe Albuquerque and Robert Kubica are level at the top of the table. Albert Costa is 16 points adrift in third, the only other driver with a mathematical chance of clinching the Wingfoot Award title. The Goodyear Wingfoot Award is designed to reward drivers that maximising performance across multiple stint. The award is given to the LMP2 driver who achieves the fastest stint average, measuring their average lap time over two consecutive stints. The Wingfoot has been synonymous with Goodyear since the manufacturer was founded 125 years ago. It is derived from classical mythology – Mercury to the ancient Romans or Hermes to the Greeks. Goodyear considers the swift messenger an apt comparison for its tyre products and performance ethos.

Ben Crawley, director of motorsport EMEA, Goodyear, commented: “We introduced the Wingfoot Award to recognise excellent performance across multiple endurance stints. We’re excited to see two top drivers battle it out for the overall 2023 Wingfoot Award title in Bahrain. It has added another intriguing element for the racing and provided fans with a different perspective when it comes to managing performance.”

LMP2 category makes way for LMGT3 in WEC

This weekend is the last for the LMP2 category in WEC. Goodyear will shift its supply to the new LMGT3 WEC category from 2024. Several manufacturers expected to take part in WEC and ELMS are undertaking on-track testing ahead of the 2024 season. Goodyear will remain the sole supplier for LMP2 in the European Le Mans Series.

Crawley adds: “As we end another season, I’d like to thank our fantastic team that travels to each race and ensures the Goodyear operation runs smoothly. We have enjoyed being the exclusive supplier for the LMP2 category for the last three seasons, and are excited to continue that relationship in ELMS. Now, we look ahead to an exciting future for WEC with LMGT3 and cannot wait to be back on the grid in 2024.”