FIA Appoints Pirelli As Exclusive Tyre Supplier For All Formula Regional Championships From 2026
- By TT News
- June 10, 2025
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that Pirelli will serve as the exclusive tyre supplier for all FIA-certified Formula Regional championships from 2026, aligning the series under a unified technical and sporting framework as it introduces a new generation of race cars.
Already the sole tyre supplier for Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, Pirelli’s expanded remit underscores its pivotal role across the FIA’s global single-seater development ladder. The Italian tyre manufacturer will also provide tyres for both the Formula Regional and the inaugural Formula 4 World Cups at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, further cementing its presence in top-tier motorsport events.
“We are delighted to have been appointed sole tyre supplier for the FIA-certified Formula Regional championships,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director. “It is a significant endorsement of the worth of our technology, and the quality and reliability of our tyres... It recognises our ability to deliver specific products for every level of driver development.”
Pirelli has supplied Formula Regional tyres since the series debut in 2019. The competition evolved into the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) following a merger with Formula Renault in 2021. From 2026, the championship will see a significant transformation with the introduction of a new car featuring bespoke 15-inch tyres developed by Pirelli to ensure improved performance and parity across all global championships.
“With Pirelli on board as an exclusive tyre partner, Formula Regional is set to thrive and deliver incredible racing and greater sporting parity across our different championships so that we offer young drivers an equal opportunity to show their skill,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “This next phase... reflects our ambition to create a truly modern, competitive, and accessible platform for developing drivers.”
At the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, Pirelli will also supply tyres to the FIA GT World Cup, continuing a long-standing relationship with the prestigious street circuit event, which has served as a proving ground for numerous future Formula 1 stars.
Pirelli’s commitment to developing tailored products for all levels of single-seater racing reinforces its role as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of global motorsport.
Nexen Tire will supply its N'FERA Sport tyres as original equipment (OE) for the newly launched Audi A6 premium sedan, expanding its partnership with the German carmaker.
The tyres will be supplied in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes for the latest generation of the Audi A6, the company's flagship premium sedan.
The N'FERA Sport is an ultra-high-performance (UHP) tyre designed for high-performance vehicles. According to Nexen Tire, the tyre uses high-strength internal materials to distribute contact pressure and load evenly, supporting handling and braking performance in both dry and wet conditions.
The tyre received a "Good" rating in the summer tyre test conducted by German automotive publication Auto Bild, with strong scores in dry and wet braking, rolling resistance, pass-by noise and mileage. It also achieved a "Good" rating in the 2025 summer tyre test conducted by ADAC, where it performed well in driving safety and comfort.
Nexen Tire began supplying OE tyres to an overseas vehicle manufacturer in 2012 and has since expanded its customer base to include several global automotive groups, including Volkswagen Group. The company previously supplied OE tyres for the Audi A3 and the eighth-generation Audi A6.
The latest agreement extends that relationship to the redesigned Audi A6 and is expected to support future replacement tyre demand as vehicles enter the aftermarket.
"The supply for the all-new Audi A6 demonstrates that NEXEN TIRE's technology and quality continue to be recognized by the world's most demanding premium brands," said John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO of NEXEN TIRE. "We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global premium automakers and expand our OE supply capabilities moving forward."
Continental Secures OE Approval For Škoda Elroq With Aerodynamic EcoContact 7 Tyre
- By TT News
- July 30, 2026
Continental has secured original equipment approval for its EcoContact 7 summer tyre on the all-electric Škoda Elroq. The German automotive supplier will supply the SUV with specific front and rear fitments, namely size 235/50 R20 for the front axle and 255/45 R20 for the rear, both designed for 20-inch rims. Each tyre includes the FR marking, signifying an integrated rim protection rib that reinforces the sidewall to guard against curb damage.
To enhance the vehicle's efficiency, Continental incorporated a distinctive aerodynamic feature inspired by golf ball dimples. Small indentations on the tyre surface, branded as the ‘Aerodimple’ structure, are engineered to reduce air turbulence around the sidewalls. This design principle, which mirrors the dimples on a golf ball that minimise drag, helps lower energy consumption by requiring less force to maintain forward motion.
Beyond rolling resistance and aerodynamics, the tyre development focused on acoustic comfort. The tread pattern benefits from optimised block spacing and angles specifically tuned to mitigate noise frequencies generated during low-speed urban driving. This acoustic engineering results in a quieter ride environment for both the vehicle occupants and the surrounding community.
Continental has finalised the tyre lineup for the Škoda Elroq with the EcoContact 7 in specifications 235/50 R20 100H FR and 255/45 R20 101H FR. The summer tyre is also formulated with a specialised rubber compound and construction to deliver low rolling resistance, high mileage and reduced noise levels, contributing to the overall efficiency and refinement of the electric SUV across numerous global markets.
Yokohama Supplies ADVAN dB V552 Tyres For SAIC Motor's New MG7 Sedan
- By TT News
- July 29, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its ADVAN dB V552 tyres as original equipment (OE) for SAIC Motor Corporation Limited's new MG7 sports sedan, which was launched in China in January 2026.
The OE tyre is supplied in size 245/40R19 98W.
The ADVAN dB V552 is a premium comfort tyre in Yokohama Rubber's global flagship ADVAN range. The company said the tyre combines low noise levels with strong wet grip and fuel efficiency, aiming to deliver ride comfort alongside stable handling.
The latest MG7 is a coupe-style mid-size sedan powered by a turbocharged engine. The updated model features a three-stage electric rear wing and dual twin exhausts as standard across all variants. SAIC Motor has also enhanced the vehicle's smart cockpit and other intelligent features.
Yokohama Rubber To Supply ADVAN Sport V107 Tyres For Updated Mazda MX-5
- By TT News
- July 28, 2026
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has begun supplying its ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment (OE) for the updated Mazda MX-5, which went on sale in Japan and Europe in June 2026.
The two-seater lightweight convertible sports car is fitted with 195/50R16 84V ADVAN Sport V107 tyres. Yokohama Rubber said it has supplied original equipment tyres for every generation of the Mazda MX-5 since the model was first introduced.
The ADVAN Sport V107 is an ultra-high-performance tyre within Yokohama's global flagship ADVAN brand. According to the company, the tyre combines handling stability and wet-weather performance with low noise, ride comfort and reduced rolling resistance.
The Mazda MX-5, first launched in 1989, has recorded cumulative global sales of more than 1.26m units, according to Mazda.
As part of the latest update, Mazda has introduced a special edition of the MX-5 alongside a new exterior colour. The company said the changes are intended to enhance driving performance while complying with external noise regulations.
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