Pirelli began its second Formula One tyre testing session of 2025 at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Tuesday. Ferrari joined McLaren in the development programme for 2026-spec tyres.

McLaren, fresh from participating in earlier tests at Paul Ricard, shared the track with Ferrari as three current F1 drivers put the experimental tires through their paces.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc alternated in a modified Ferrari SF-24, while Lando Norris handled testing duties in McLaren's adapted MCL60. The session shifted from last week's wet-weather tyre testing to focus on slick tyre development, specifically testing compounds ranging from C1 to C3.

Norris led the lap count with 159 circuits and posted the day's fastest time of 1 minute, 15.215 seconds. Hamilton completed 87 laps with a best time of 1:15.930, while Leclerc logged 86 laps and a 1:16.060. The combined effort totaled 332 laps around the demanding Spanish circuit.

Testing continues Wednesday with Oscar Piastri stepping in for McLaren. Ferrari will maintain its driver rotation, with Leclerc scheduled for the morning session before Hamilton takes over in the afternoon.

The Barcelona circuit, known for its high tyre wear, was specifically chosen to evaluate the harder compound tyres in Pirelli's range.

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Continental has been selected by General Motors as an original equipment supplier for its new Cadillac OPTIQ and Chevrolet Equinox EV models. These electric SUVs will be factory-fitted with Continental's CrossContact RX all-weather touring tyres, specifically in 20- and 21-inch sizes.

Engineered for a blend of safety and comfort, the CrossContact RX tyres are designed to perform reliably in diverse conditions, including light off-road terrain and moderate snowfall. Their development focused on delivering strong braking performance and dynamic handling on dry, wet and wintry roads. An optimised tread pattern and contour contribute to lower rolling resistance and enhanced traction across various weather scenarios.

Furthermore, a uniform sipe arrangement within the tread reduces road noise for a quieter ride. A key feature is the inclusion of ContiSeal technology, which automatically seals punctures up to 6 mm in diameter, allowing drivers to continue their journey without immediate interruption. This technology provides an added layer of convenience and safety for electric vehicle owners.

The tyre range has been approved in the following sizes:

CrossContact RX, 275/40 R21 107H XL FR ContiSeal
CrossContact RX, 245/50 R20 105H XL FR ContiSeal

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Honda has selected Yokohama Rubber’s BluEarth AE-01 tyres as original equipment for its upcoming N-ONE e: mini-electric vehicle. Scheduled for launch in Japan in September 2025, the mini-EV will be fitted with the tyres in the size 155/65R14 75S.

As part of Yokohama’s global BluEarth brand, the AE-01 model is engineered to be an eco-conscious and socially responsible product. It is designed to provide excellent fuel efficiency while maintaining a balanced performance in key areas including quiet operation, ride comfort and tread longevity.

This partnership is a reflection of Yokohama Rubber's strategic initiative to expand its advanced BluEarth technology across a diverse range of new vehicles. The company’s tyres are increasingly chosen as factory-fitted equipment for a wide spectrum of models, from sedans and SUVs to sports cars and compact vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid and electric powertrains.

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Kia has selected NEXEN TIRE’s N’Blue S high-performance summer tyre as original equipment for the new Kia PV5, an adaptable purpose-built vehicle (PBV) developed on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This model is designed for a wide array of uses, from personal and recreational activities to commercial logistics, positioning it as a cornerstone for the future of urban mobility. The supply agreement underscores NEXEN TIRE's advanced technological capabilities in developing tyres specifically engineered for the demands of electric commercial vehicles.

The N’Blue S tyre, sized 215/65R16 102H, is engineered to meet strict European environmental standards, emphasising high efficiency and minimised rolling resistance to extend electric vehicle range. A key innovation featured in this model is Sidewall Aero Dynamic technology, which functions to reduce pass-by noise and improve overall energy efficiency. The tyre’s tread design incorporates a simplified groove pattern that enhances water drainage, providing superior wet traction and stable braking performance. These attributes ensure excellent durability and reliability, which are critical for the repetitive stop-and-go patterns characteristic of urban commercial operations.

This partnership with Kia is part of a broader strategic trajectory for NEXEN TIRE, which has established itself as a trusted original equipment supplier for major global automakers. The company leverages over 80 years of technical expertise to provide tyres for a growing portfolio of electric vehicles, including Kia's EV3, EV4, EV6 and EV9 models, alongside global strategic vehicles like the PV5 and Tasman. This latest supply agreement for the innovative PV5 further solidifies NEXEN TIRE's reputation and demonstrates its commitment to supporting the evolving needs of the electric mobility industry.

John Bosco (Hyeon Suk) Kim, CEO, NEXEN TIRE, said, “The supply of OE tyres for the Kia PV5 demonstrates our technological competitiveness in the future mobility market, driven by electrification and personalisation. We will continue to strengthen our partnerships with global automakers to contribute to the expansion of the future mobility ecosystem.”

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., is supplying its ultra-high-performance ADVAN Sport V107 tyres as original equipment for the BMW 7 Series sedan, including the all-electric i7 model. The tyres – 255/45R20 105Y size for front axle and 285/40R20 108Y for rear axle – are the product of a joint development effort with the BMW Group. This collaboration has resulted in a tyre engineered to meet the exacting demands of a high-power luxury vehicle.

The ADVAN Sport V107 incorporates a specially formulated compound and an optimised tread pattern to deliver exceptional steering stability and a quiet ride. It has also earned the highest possible ‘A’ grade for rolling resistance under the EU labelling system. The application of Yokohama's proprietary mound profile technology ensures even contact pressure distribution, which enhances both dry performance and wear resistance. The tyre’s sidewall features BMW’s star mark, a designation granted only to suppliers that meet the automaker's strict standards for technology, quality and reliability.

This partnership aligns with Yokohama Rubber's medium-term management plan, YX2026, which prioritises increasing sales of high-value-added products. A core initiative of this strategy is expanding the placement of its global flagship ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brand tyres as original equipment on new vehicles.

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