Bridgestone announces 2024 motorsport plan

Bridgestone Corporation has unveiled its motorsport agenda for 2024, a programme that involves supporting a wide array of motorsport events, spanning from professional races to grassroots competitions. The continued cornerstone of this support is the supply of Bridgestone Potenza and Firestone Firehawk tyres for car races, as well as Bridgestone Battlax tyres for motorcycle races.

After celebrating its 60th anniversary of motorsport involvement in 2023, Bridgestone intends to build upon the year’s activities. Sustainability will form the core of its efforts and will manifest itself across the entire value chain, from tyre production to end-of-life recycling. By championing sustainability, Bridgestone aims to elevate its brand into a “symbol of premium sustainability, aligned with the values of its partners and enthusiasts in the motorsport community.”

Using racing as a “mobile laboratory,” Bridgestone will also evolve its Enliten technology. The plan is to apply lessons learned in motorsport to the development of aftermarket tyre lines as part of the ‘From Circuit to Street’ concept.

Grassroots to top-level series

In 2024, Bridgestone’s involvement in motorsport will extend to numerous events worldwide, including supplying tyres for the Super GT and All Japan Road Race Championship in Japan, as well as the NTT IndyCar Series in North America. Moreover, Bridgestone is committed to grassroots motorsport, supporting events like the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR86/BRZ Cup and the All-Japan Gymkhana Championship.

As part of its sustainable motorsport initiatives, Bridgestone will continue to sponsor the Bridgestone FIA ecoRally Cup, showcasing the efficiency of zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, the company remains dedicated to nurturing the next generation of motorsport enthusiasts through initiatives such as the Bridgestone eMotorsport Institute and the Potenza Circuit Challenge, aimed at engaging newcomers and expanding the fan base.

“In essence, Bridgestone’s vision for 2024 revolves around empowering individuals to reach their full potential while embracing sustainable practices in motorsport,” states the company. “By adhering to its corporate commitment of inspiring excitement and joy in the world of mobility, Bridgestone seeks to forge meaningful partnerships and co-create a sustainable future together with its stakeholders.”

Car Races

NTT IndyCar Series

• The NTT IndyCar Series is the premier open-wheel racing series in North America
• Through its Firestone brand, Bridgestone will be the sole tyre supplier for the NTT IndyCar Series through 2025. This year will be the 25th consecutive season that Firestone Firehawk race tyres will be the only tyres used in the series.

Tyres: Firestone Firehawk racing tyre

And other drivers

Indy NXT by Firestone

• Indy NXT by Firestone is the developmental series of NTT IndyCar
• Bridgestone supported this category with Firestone brand tyre from 1991 to 2013 and is now the sole tyre supplier again from 2023 to 2025.

Tyres: Firestone Firehawk racing tyre

And other drivers

Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC)

• Indy Autonomous Challenge (IAC) is an exhibition racing series of completely autonomous driving cars held in North America and Europe.
• Bridgestone has exclusively supplied Bridgestone brand tyres since 2021.
• 9 teams from 5 countries, representing 17 universities and over 259 engineering students are participating in the Indy Autonomous Challenge to compete to find who has programmed the most advanced AI driver.

Motorcycle Races

FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC)

• The FIM EWC is the only motorcycle road race world championship with multiple tyre suppliers.
• In 2023, it was the third consecutive year and the fourth time that a Bridgestone tyre-equipped team has won the championship. Bridgestone will continue to supply three teams with tyres in this season.

Tyres: Racing Battlax tyre

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