As the title sponsor of the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC), Bridgestone Corporation introduced a new standard in sustainable motorsport by equipping teams with tyres composed of over 65 percent recycled and renewable materials. This initiative, centred on the company's ENLITEN technology, represented a comprehensive evolution of its sustainability efforts across the entire tyre lifecycle, from material sourcing to end-of-life recycling. The performance of these tyres was proven on the track, with victorious teams in both the Challenger and Cruiser classes utilising them.

The advanced materials were developed through strategic partnerships. In collaboration with ENEOS Corporation, Bridgestone employed precise pyrolysis technology to recover carbon black from end-of-life tyres, which was then used in BWSC tyres for the first time. Similarly, recycled steel was produced from scrap tyres and processed into bead wire with partners Sanyo Special Steel and Nippon Steel, marking another debut application for the race.

Beyond materials, the ENLITEN technology was fundamental to the tyre design, enabling crucial performance characteristics for solar vehicles such as ultra-low rolling resistance, reduced weight and superior wear resistance. This engineering allowed the tyres to withstand the event's 3,000-kilometre extreme conditions while maximising vehicle efficiency. The incorporation of Teijin Aramid's new Twaron Next material further enhanced the product's circular content.

Bridgestone also addressed the environmental impact of logistics by partnering with DHL and its GoGreen Plus solution. The shipment of tyres to Australia utilised sustainable marine fuel, achieving up to an 85 percent reduction in well-to-wake CO₂ emissions. Furthermore, the enhanced durability of the tyres meant each team required significantly fewer sets, reducing the total number supplied. After the event, a partnership with Australian company RubberGem will ensure the used tyres are recycled into high-quality rubber flooring.

This victory marks the third consecutive win in the Challenger class and the fourth in the Cruiser class for teams on Bridgestone tyres. By supporting this premier innovation challenge, Bridgestone reinforces its commitment to accelerating sustainable mobility and nurturing the next generation of engineers.

Challenger Class winner Elias Wawoe, Brunel Solar Team (Delft University of Technology), said, “The last time we won the BWSC was eight years ago, and since then, we have been working towards becoming world champion again. The Bridgestone tyres performed exceptionally well, especially in terms of wear resistance, supporting our journey to victory. The BWSC tyres were a great example of accelerating sustainability in the tyres; through the event, these efforts were showcased. What we try to show is the combination of innovation and striving for a sustainable future.”

Cruiser Class winner Kelvin To, VTC Solar Car Team (Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education), said, “We have been working on the BWSC for more than 10 years, and winning this competition means a lot to us. Our students from engineering and design put classroom skills into the real-life 3,000-km project of the BWSC. We take part to showcase the latest technology in renewable energy and be part of the force that drives into a sustainable future. Bridgestone tyres were very reliable—no punctures over sand, pebbles and potholes—and they helped us save a lot of energy throughout the trip.”

Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award winner Joel Pitts, Iron Lions Solar Car Team (Greenville High School), said, “We are truly humbled to receive the Bridgestone E8 Commitment Award. Our students and teachers set a goal to build a world class solar car that would qualify and compete in the Challenger Class. This recognition affirms our commitment and drive to become world-class solar teams.”

Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer – Global Motorsports, Bridgestone Corporation, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the teams, team staff, families, organisers and the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the BWSC. It was truly inspiring to witness the passion of everyone involved come together to create such a remarkable event. We are proud that our tyres equipped with ENLITEN technology supported not only the winning teams but many others throughout the challenge. As both a tyre supplier and the title sponsor, Bridgestone remains committed to supporting the realization of sustainable mobility and the development of future engineers and leaders through the BWSC. With passion, we continue to challenge the limits together with the teams and aim to apply the innovations born in this ‘mobile laboratory’ to future sustainable global motorsports activities.”

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The Vredestein Quatrac tyre has been named the top-performing all-season tyre by Germany's leading automotive publication Auto Bild Allrad. The tyre received the highest possible rating of ‘Exemplary’ after a rigorous group test against ten major competitors.

The assessment, conducted on a Volkswagen T-Roc fitted with tyres in the common 215/55 R17 size, evaluated performance across dry, wet and snowy terrains. Testing took place at specialised facilities in Germany and New Zealand, the latter chosen to replicate demanding European winter conditions. The Vredestein Quatrac demonstrated exceptional all-round capability, being praised for its balanced and secure handling on every surface.

Its performance was notably dominant in critical safety areas. The tyre achieved first place in both wet braking and snow grip and braking tests. Reviewers also highlighted its resistance to aquaplaning, confirming its reliability in heavy rain. Beyond traction, the Quatrac proved to be a quiet tyre, recording low noise levels that underscore its suitability for electric vehicles, where cabin quietness is paramount.

This latest victory continues a winning streak for the Vredestein brand, which also secured first place in the same publication's test the previous year. As part of Apollo Tyres Ltd, Vredestein has a long history in the all-season segment, dating back to the 1990s, and now offers the most extensive range of all-season products on the market. The Quatrac line includes both standard and high-performance variants, such as the Quatrac Pro+, and is engineered to provide safe braking and stability in all conditions. All tyres in the portfolio are designed to be compatible with modern hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “The Quatrac has shown once again that it is the leader in the all-season segment, thanks to superior dynamic capabilities and technical features that make for a safe and enjoyable drive, year-round. As a pioneer of the all-season category, we are continuing to invest in research and development to maintain our leadership position, and we are already looking ahead to the launch of a significant new Vredestein product in this space next year.”

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In a significant development for its brand visibility, Apollo Tyres has launched its logo on the jerseys of the Indian men’s cricket team. This unveiling occurred in Ahmedabad just before the start of the opening Test match against the West Indies, formally activating a major three-year strategic partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

This prominent placement on the men's jersey follows the logo's recent debut on the sleeves of the women's national team during their encounter with Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Together, these events mark a pivotal corporate milestone, integrating the Apollo Tyres brand directly with the country's most beloved sport.

Cricket is widely regarded as the nation's passion, and Apollo Tyres frames its involvement as a profound commitment to celebrating this shared cultural fervour. The company characterises the partnership as more than a commercial strategy; it is an expression of national pride and a dedicated effort to bolster the sport's vibrant ecosystem. By aligning with both the men's and women's national teams, Apollo Tyres aims to support athletic talent and contribute to India's dynamic cricketing culture. The brand now looks ahead to a collaborative journey, anticipating a future filled with shared triumphs and inspirational performances on the global stage.

Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Our logo appearing on the Indian cricket teams’ jersey is a moment of great honour for us. Cricket unites the nation like no other sport, and through this association, we aim to go the distance with the teams and their supporters, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience and excellence.”

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Pirelli has confirmed its tyre allocations for the Moto2 and Moto3 classes at the Indonesian Grand Prix, held from 3 to 5 October 2025 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok. This event marks the championship's second consecutive Asian round, moving from Japan to the Indonesian island.

Pirelli’s focus for the Moto2 category is on soft compound rear tyres, a choice driven by the circuit's characteristics and historical data. Riders will have two options: the standard SC0 compound and a development tyre, the E0125. This development tyre uses the same soft compound as the SC0 but features an innovative carcass designed for 2025. Having already been used in eight previous Grands Prix, the E0125 has received positive feedback and is familiar to the competitors. For the front axle, riders can pair these rears with either the SC1 or SC2 compound.

The Moto3 class allocation remains unchanged, with riders having access to both the SC1 and SC2 compounds for the front and rear of their machines. Furthermore, anticipating the region's high risk of sudden, heavy rainfall, Pirelli has proactively increased the wet-tyre allocation for both classes. An additional SCR1 wet tyre has been added for each, bringing the total to five front and six rear wets per rider. This adjustment is a direct response to the challenging local conditions, where a hot and humid climate can see track temperatures soar to 60°C, yet be quickly interrupted by intense downpours.

Giorgio Barbier, Motorcycle Racing Director, Pirelli, said, "Lombok is not a particularly demanding track in terms of abrasiveness, but it presents critical issues related to high temperatures and variable weather conditions. At this time of year, the climate is hot and humid, with the asphalt reaching up to 60 °C, while episodes of intense and sudden rain are not uncommon. To cope with the latter scenario, we have increased the allocation of SCR1 wet tyres by one unit, so as to ensure the necessary coverage in the event of persistent rainfall. As for slicks, the history of this championship and WorldSBK confirms a clear preference for soft compound rear solutions.

"For this reason, in Moto2 we have planned the standard SC0 and its development E0125 evolution, already widely appreciated in previous rounds. We expect that the riders will also be able to quickly find the positive feeling already experienced elsewhere at Mandalika. It's still a track that puts more stress on the front axle than the rear, but both the SC1 and SC2 have already shown great versatility over a wide range of conditions, which is why we're confident they'll offer excellent support in this context too. In Moto3, as usual, the SC1 is the softest option available and will probably be the most chosen in the event of dry asphalt."

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The recent Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois, served as a global stage for Goodyear Farm Tires to demonstrate its comprehensive product range to an international audience of farmers. As a key component of the larger Titan International exhibit, the display highlighted the company's commitment to agricultural innovation. A central feature was the company's proprietary Low Sidewall technology, an engineering approach that utilises a larger rim diameter and a reduced sidewall. This design is intended to deliver significant operational advantages by enhancing productivity, vehicle stability and overall field efficiency.

A major attraction at the event was the world's largest tractor, the Big Bud 747. This monumental machine is fitted with what are believed to be the market's largest tyres, a specific LSW model from Goodyear, underscoring the brand's capability to serve even the most extreme agricultural applications. The broader Titan exhibit also featured its entire family of brands, presenting a complete portfolio of off-road performance solutions. The stand was further animated by appearances from notable figures, including NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and the prominent Welker farming family.

The company provides extensive support to the farming community with a versatile selection of products. Its offerings include multiple series of tractor radials and specialised tyre designs for a wide array of equipment, from sprayers and compact tractors to harvesters and other industrial machinery, ensuring performance across diverse agricultural needs.

Natalie Dukes, Marketing Manager, Goodyear Farm Tyres Europe, said, “As a business, we attend a number of events across the world and the Farm Progress Show is always a true highlight for Goodyear Farm Tyres and the entyre Titan family. Thousands of people visited the Goodyear Farm Tyres stand over the three days and were impressed with the size and scale of the range. From our Optitracs through to LSWs and much more in between, we have a range to suit the needs of farmers wherever they are in the world and whatever their specific requirements and challenges. The presence of the Big Bud always brings a huge interest and this show was no different, and we were delighted to partner it with the newly-unveiled Demco Big Buddy grain cart. It was the perfect visual partner to the Big Bud and created quite the sight.”

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