A new dawn for GT racing begins with the first round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Lusail International Circuit, Qatar. LMGT3 will debut with a grid of 18 cars.
Celebrating a New Era in GT Racing
Goodyear is the exclusive tyre provider for LMGT3, the new category replacing LMGTE in the WEC. The category is based on the current FIA GT3 platform, which is used in championships around the world.
LMGT3 features an exciting grid that includes nine of the most renowned manufacturers in GT racing, each competing with two cars. With LMGT3, the WEC has shifted towards a more accessible model, with larger GT grids than in previous years. Nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, Le Mans winner José María López, and F1 Academy driver Doriane Pin are among the talented drivers seeking glory this season.
Qatar is one of the most aggressive circuits on the calendar, with a high percentage of lateral load. The 16 corners come at high speed after the long back straight, meaning tyre management will be a key component for a successful race strategy, and finding pace on its 5.4 km layout will be crucial for securing the best lap in qualifying and executing a consistent stint.
Goodyear tyres have a completely new specification developed in collaboration with manufacturers and drivers. The result is a tyre that reaches its optimum performance quickly, without the need for warmers, and lasts for two or three stints depending on the circuit.
Mathias Kipp, Director of Sales at Goodyear Motorsport, previews the first test of the season: “Once again, it’s fantastic to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship, this time with a different challenge as the sole tyre provider of the new LMGT3 category. We anticipate exciting races in all categories, and Qatar is an ideal location to debut LMGT3.”
