Goodyear’s LMGT3 Hard Tyre Receives Positive Feedback Following São Paulo Debut
Goodyear’s new LMGT3 Hard compound tyre made a successful competitive debut at the São Paulo race in July, according to Mike McGregor, the brand’s head of endurance racing. The tyre was instrumental in securing a breakthrough victory for AKKODIS ASP and Lexus, validating its expected performance capabilities.
Designed for a wider operating window, the Hard compound demonstrates improved effectiveness on aggressive surfaces and tracks that generate high sliding energy. McGregor stated that, despite cooler temperatures and resurfacing issues at Interlagos, the Hard tyre proved optimal during the event, showcasing quicker lap times and reduced degradation compared to last year.
“The whole philosophy of the Eagle Hard is about long-term consistency,” McGregor explained. “Timing analysis indicates better performance, and while it’s a bit challenging to drive, it remains effective across various conditions.”
Concerns were raised by teams regarding the introduction of a new tyre amid existing Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations. McGregor emphasized that manufacturers were provided ample preparation opportunities through prior testing, allowing them to adapt effectively.
“Not every team was happy with it, which is expected in a competitive environment,” he acknowledged. “However, the Medium compound had become benchmarked due to its consistency.”
In anticipation of this weekend’s Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas (CoTA), trackside temperatures are projected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius. McGregor expressed confidence that the Hard compound will deliver improved longevity under these conditions.
“The extremes of weather between São Paulo and CoTA introduce different challenges in tyre engagement,” he noted. “We expect this tyre to perform consistently, aligning with ACO and FIA expectations.”
Teams can look forward to an evolving landscape as they adapt to Goodyear’s latest offering, with further insights gained from the previous race set to inform strategies for the upcoming competition.
