WEC opts for continuity with new tire supply deals

The result of the FIA WEC's tire tender process for the Hypercar and LMGT3 classes from 2030-2032 has been revealed, with the FIA opting for continuity and stability.

Both current suppliers are set to continue exclusively supplying the classes they do at present, with French manufacturer Michelin – which has supplied Hypercar since the category’s inception – awarded the contract for the top class and American brand Goodyear (which pushed hard to win the Hypercar tender, and did track test developmental tires earlier this year) presented with an extended LMGT3 deal.

“The tender process (which was subject to multiple delays and saw the FIA and ACO come to a joint decision) assessed candidates against a range of criteria, including technical expertise, product quality, sporting performance in different conditions, operational and customer service capabilities, sustainability commitments, marketing support and long-term contribution to the continued growth of endurance racing,” the statement from the FIA reads.

“The selected suppliers demonstrated a strong ability to meet the championship’s technical and operational requirements while also supporting its technical and sustainability roadmap.

“The continuation of Michelin in the Hypercar class and Goodyear in LMGT3 will also provide stability and continuity for competitors and stakeholders.

“Both manufacturers have a wealth of FIA WEC experience in their respective classes. Michelin has served as the exclusive tyre supplier to the Hypercar class since its introduction in 2021, while Goodyear has supplied the LMGT3 class since its debut in the championship in 2024."

In response, Matthieu Bonardel, the director of Michelin Motorsport, commented: “We are particularly proud of the renewed confidence shown in Michelin by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. I would like to sincerely thank both organizations for the quality of our discussions throughout this tender process.

“This contract extension is a strong recognition of the quality of the tires and services we provide, as well as our ability to continuously innovate. It is also excellent news for our teams and for all our manufacturer partners, with whom we share the same ambition: to push the boundaries of performance while accelerating the transition toward increasingly sustainable mobility.”

Xavier Fraipont, the vice president of Goodyear Racing, added: “When we started this journey with the FIA and ACO in 2024, we were convinced that LMGT3 represented a platform with tremendous potential for growth, helped by tremendous fan support for the racing versions of sports cars they see on the streets.

“Goodyear is committed to growing with the ACO and FIA and strengthening our position as the benchmark in GT racing, and on the street versions of these cars. This agreement allows us to continue bringing Goodyear’s technical expertise to one of the world’s most competitive racing environments while pushing the limits of performance and innovation.

"Together with the FIA and ACO, we will write the next chapter of this successful partnership, on and off the track.”