Goodyear racing towards sustainability in WEC

The first round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in Qatar marked LMGT3’s arrival to the championship, with Goodyear as the exclusive tyre supplier. Through the introduction of its new LMGT3 tyre specification and enhancements to logistical support, Goodyear claims to have aligned with WEC and FIA’s sustainability goals, driving efforts towards a cleaner and more environmentally responsible sport.

Goodyear manufactures every LMGT3 tyre according to International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS standards in Hanau, Germany, at a facility it describes as “state-of-the-art.” This certification underscores Goodyear Racing’s dedication to circularity and traceability, pivotal aspects of the company’s sustainability agenda. Incorporating bio-based and recycled materials in racing tyres not only reduces the demand for finite resources but also underscores Goodyear’s commitment to sustainable practices.

33% sustainable materials, 33% fewer tyres

This year’s LMGT3 tyre comprises approximately 33 per cent sustainable materials, representing one of the highest proportions of sustainable content in GT racing. Sustainable materials include natural resins, carbon black, polymers and recycled steel. In addition, wet weather tyres include rice husk ash silica.

A crucial element in sustainable production is reducing output. Since returning to world championship level endurance racing in 2020, Goodyear has focused on minimising its endurance racing programme’s carbon footprint. One notable initiative has been the adoption of a single dry compound for each race, significantly reducing tyre production. This strategic shift has led to a notable 33 per cent reduction in tyre production over a season.

Moreover, WEC’s decision to disallow tyre warmers from 2023 onwards has further contributed to sustainability efforts. This move not only streamlines logistics by reducing equipment shipped to races but also curtails trackside energy consumption. Goodyear’s tyre specifications developed in 2022 enable rapid warm-up, mitigating the absence of tyre warmers.

Reflecting the endurance ethos of maximising resources, Goodyear’s LMGT3 tyre range offers durability for multiple fuel stints. At Le Mans this year, tyres can last for five stints, equivalent to three times the distance of a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Cutting carbon with intelligent logistics

In 2024, Goodyear Racing will transition its stock and equipment transportation to sea freight, enhancing sustainability in logistical operations. This move underscores Goodyear’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, as ocean freight emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to long-haul flights.

“We’re fully committed to lowering the carbon footprint of our motorsport programme,” says Mike McGregor, Goodyear Racing’s Endurance Program Manager. “Whether it’s transporting fewer tyres overall or using cutting-edge technology to increase the amount of sustainable material in our tyres, it all contributes to setting the standard in motorsport.

“In addition, Goodyear’s racing activity directly informs the future of road-going tyres, too. The collaboration between our race and road development teams reaffirms our commitment to international motorsport, with the continuous progress we can bring to our tyres enjoyed by drivers all over the world.”