Prior to the regular press conference held by GTA Co., Ltd. shortly after 10:00 a.m. on August 2 (Sun), race day of AUTOBACS SUPER GT Round 4 “FUJI GT 300km RACE,” the official tire suppliers for each class under the one-make tire system to be introduced from next season were announced.
Masaaki Bandoh, President & CEO of GTA, announced, “Bridgestone for GT500 and Dunlop for GT300. The contract period will cover three seasons, from 2027 through 2029.” Following the announcement, Tatsuya Uchida, Director of the Motorsports Division of Bridgestone Corporation, and Masahiro Tsuzaki, Director (Senior Executive Officer) and General Manager of the Tyre Business HQ of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., joined the stage, where further details were presented.
The details are as follows:
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【Tire compounds】 DRY tire: Three compounds will be available – Soft (Sidewall Color: Red), Medium (Yellow), and Hard (White) ・Tire compound allocation rule for each event GT500 Class: Up to three compounds may be brought to each event GT300 Class: Two compounds will be selected for each event from Soft / Medium / Hard ※ WET compounds are currently under consideration.
【Number of tire sets available】 ・300km race: DRY 4 sets, WET 5 sets ・Malaysia Round (300 km): DRY 5 sets, WET 6 sets ・3-Hour Race: DRY 6 sets, WET 7 sets ※ The number of WET tire sets permitted will be reduced by one set for all events compared with the 2026 regulations.
【Mandatory tire changes during the race】 DRY tire: All compounds brought to an event must be used during the event weekend. ※ Mandatory tire-change requirements for WET tires are currently under consideration.
Bandoh also commented on the number of tires permitted at events, “From the year after next, we would like to broaden the operating range and move in the direction of reducing the number of tires brought to events. We will reduce the number of wet-tire sets by one compared with this season, and we are also considering allowing unused sets to be carried over to the next round.” He further revealed that development testing for next season’s tires would take place the following day (Monday, August 3), adding, “Following the test after Round 5 at Suzuka, we’d like to reach a point where all cars can participate in testing after Round 7 at Autopolis.”
Afterward, representatives from Bridgestone and Dunlop addressed the media. Speaking on behalf of Bridgestone, which has been appointed the official supplier for the GT500 class, Director Uchida said, “We are committed to continuing our support of Japanese motorsport. SUPER GT is one of the major pillars of motorsport in Japan, and we are delighted to contribute to the series as sole tire supplier in GT500. It is a great honor for us, and we hope to provide tires that will help make GT500 even more exciting.”
Meanwhile, General Manager Tsuzaki of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, whose Dunlop brand will become the official supplier for the GT300 class, stated with the company’s determination, “Motorsport is a stage for challenge. Dunlop will continue to take on new challenges and fully support those who do the same from the ground up. From next season, we will bear the significant responsibility of supplying tires for every GT300 competitor. We will prepare thoroughly to provide a safe, fair and equitable competitive environment. As the tire supplier, we will also do everything possible to contribute to the continued development of SUPER GT.”
