Goodyear returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, supporting 24 LMGT3 and 17 LMP2 entries for the 93rd edition of the world’s most prestigious endurance race. Tire longevity and performance is once again set to play a crucial role for drivers across both categories.
Goodyear expects that some drivers will be able to complete up to five consecutive stints on a single set of its slick compounds at Le Mans; covering a distance equivalent to twice that of a Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Current regulations prevent any driver from racing for more than four hours within a six-hour window at Le Mans, which for LMGT3 and LMP2 competitors usually equates to around 600 kilometres of running. In dry conditions during last year’s event, some LMGT3 teams managed to complete stints exceeding that distance – and matching the maximum permitted driving time – on a single set of tires. This longevity is central to Goodyear’s endurance racing strategy, providing tires that maintain their performance level over an extended period of time.
The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans holds added significance for Goodyear as it marks 45 years since the launch of the Eagle brand; the iconic brand name uniting the manufacturer’s race-winning heritage and high-performance road tires. The Goodyear Eagle name is now synonymous with motorsport success, having graced the sidewalls of winning cars in Formula 1, NASCAR, Indycar and Le Mans, as well as some of the world’s most desirable performance vehicles on the road.
This year’s race promises to be the most competitive yet, with a level playing field ensured by the single-specification slick and wet compounds available to drivers in both Goodyear-supplied categories. Alongside the on-track action, Goodyear will match the scale of its racing operation with a strong brand presence, including interactive fan experiences and the Goodyear Blimp flying over the circuit as part of its 100th anniversary tour.
Mike McGregor, Head of Sales Endurance Racing EMEA, Goodyear: « Goodyear loves coming back to Le Mans each year. It’s the highlight of the endurance racing calendar and equally important for Goodyear; particularly as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Eagle brand.
« This year we could see drivers running up to five stints on a single set of tires, meaning our compounds will be able to last as long as the regulations allow drivers to stay in the car. As teams always change tires during driver changes, there is little strategic advantage in pushing them any further. That level of performance and durability is the result of thousands of hours in research, development, testing, and data simulation to develop the next generation of endurance racing tires. »
Two categories, one goal: victory at Le Mans
Goodyear returns to Le Mans ready to equip the entire LMGT3 and LMP2 grids with its proven range of Eagle racing tires. At Le Mans, all LMGT3 teams will run Goodyear’s proven ‘Eagle Medium’ compound alongside an Eagle wet-weather tire designed to deliver maximum performance in all conditions.
For the 17 LMP2 teams entered, with entries coming from series such as the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) as well as equivalent championships in North America and Asia, competitors will have access to Goodyear’s new LMP2 ‘Eagle Medium’ slick specification, which made an impressive debut at last month’s 4 Hours of Le Castellet. With LMP2 no longer a permanent category in WEC, the 24 Hours of Le Mans offers these teams a rare and prestigious opportunity to compete on the world stage.
Goodyear will bring more than 8,000 tires to Le Mans and deploy a technical support team of around 100 personnel at the track, ready to equip no fewer than two thirds of the cars on the grid (41 entries) at this legendary event.
McGregor adds: « This year will be the biggest Le Mans operation Goodyear has ever undertaken. It’s a significant challenge, but one we are fully prepared for. Le Mans is the jewel in the crown of endurance racing and a real opportunity to showcase Goodyear’s technology and expertise in endurance racing. We’re proud and excited to play such a central role in this iconic event, and to support so many teams as they compete in one of the world’s greatest races. »
Developing rubber capable of performing across a wide variety of circuits, accommodating front, mid, and rear-engined cars, and meeting the demands of both professional and amateur drivers, is no small feat. It represents the culmination of an extensive development process, one that contributed to the success of teams at the inaugural LMGT3-era 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
Track action at Le Mans begins with free practice and qualifying sessions on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 June. The 24 Hours of Le Mans gets underway at 16:00 CEST on Saturday 14 June.
Marco Lo Prato,