Goodyear Unveils New Hard Tyre at FIA WEC São Paulo
This weekend’s FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) event in São Paulo marks a significant milestone for Goodyear as it debuts its new red-labelled Hard compound tyre for the LMGT3 category. The introduction follows a year and a half of utilizing the original Medium-spec LMGT3 Eagle F1 Supersports, with the development of the Hard compound commencing in the latter half of the 2024 season.
The new Hard tyre is engineered for optimal performance on aggressive surfaces and high sliding energy tracks. This strategic timing aligns with the revamped Interlagos circuit, which, having undergone multiple resurfacing phases, poses unique challenges for teams. Goodyear’s endurance racing leader, Mike McGregor, articulated the significance of this debut, emphasizing the demanding nature of the São Paulo track and its potential to showcase the Hard compound’s advantages.
"Last year, we tried to gain insights by testing the Medium across various tracks to identify high-demand circuits," McGregor explained. Collaboration with manufacturers like Ferrari, BMW, and Porsche aided in refining the Hard compound before its introduction. This analytical approach aims to equip teams with strategic tyre choices during stints.
Goodyear will maintain its policy of using a single compound for each race, distinguishing itself from rival Michelin, which typically offers multiple options. McGregor remains optimistic that the Hard compound will still provide teams with varied strategic options throughout the race.
Looking ahead, the Hard tyre has been designated for the upcoming round at Circuit of the Americas and the season finale in Bahrain. The standard yellow-labelled Medium will return at Fuji Speedway in October.
McGregor highlighted extensive testing conducted in a range of temperatures, ensuring the Hard’s versatility. "We expect favorable performance even under extreme conditions,” he said, referencing last season’s high temperatures in Austin.
The development of the new LMGT3 Hard tyre coincides with Goodyear’s broader focus on sustainability in its upcoming products, aiming to incorporate 68% sustainable materials in the next-gen range coming in 2027. McGregor stated, "While sustainability is crucial, performance remains our primary objective."
As Goodyear continues its evolution in the motorsports sector, the debut of the Hard tyre represents not only a technical advancement but a strategic pivot for the brand in the highly competitive landscape of endurance racing.
