Bridgestone Corporation has unveiled its comprehensive motorsports engagement strategy for 2026, reaffirming its dedication to competitions spanning all levels, from elite international championships to grassroots events for amateur enthusiasts. This initiative will prominently feature the POTENZA brand for four-wheel racing and the BATTLAX brand for two-wheel competitions, operating under the core philosophy that tyres are essential to safeguarding life.

In the realm of premier racing, the company supplies tyres under both the Bridgestone and Firestone banners. The Bridgestone brand continues its dominant presence in Japan's premier SUPER GT series, where POTENZA-equipped teams recently secured an unprecedented fifth overall championship title in both the GT500 and GT300 categories. Simultaneously, on two wheels, BATTLAX-equipped competitors have achieved their fifth consecutive victory – and sixth overall – in the gruelling FIM Endurance World Championship, underscoring the tyre technology's reliability and performance under extreme conditions.

Complementing these achievements, the historic Firestone brand upholds its 125-year legacy as the exclusive tyre supplier for the renowned NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This partnership includes providing tyres for the legendary INDY500, ensuring the continuation of this exhilarating motorsport tradition. Through these diverse activities, the technologies honed from the racetrack directly contribute to the evolution of its consumer product lines, strengthening the Bridgestone brand and bringing new innovations to customers worldwide.

The company prioritises competitor safety and confidence by supplying tyres meticulously developed and proven on the racetrack, thereby actively nurturing the broader motorsports culture. Crucially, the high-stakes environment of racing serves as a mobile laboratory, where technological advancements forged in the pursuit of victory are transferred to enhance consumer and commercial tyres, reinforcing the brand's commitment to delivering superior value.

Hiroshi Imai, Vice President and Senior Officer, Global Motorsports Bridgestone Corporation, said, “Motorsports is the ultimate team sport. Everyone involved will come together as 'One Team’, embracing the challenge of motorsports with passion and supplying tyres we have poured our hearts and souls into. We hope to bring joy to drivers, riders, teams and all the fans who come to witness the thrill of racing. I feel as if I'm rolling along with our tyres on the track! This year, we are also sharing the voices of 10 of our teammates who work in motorsports tyre structural design, material development, production and motorsports operations. Please look forward to the efforts of our dedicated teammates who face tyres every day, and their passion through ‘Genbutsu-Genba’ to pursue the ultimate in tyre performance.”

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Pirelli has confirmed the tyre compound options for the Miami Grand Prix, with teams receiving the three softest mixtures: C3, C4 and C5. The first United States race of the Formula 1 season takes place next weekend in Florida following a lengthy break caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix. The championship resumes on a street circuit built around the Hard Rock Stadium, featuring a 5.412-kilometre layout over 57 laps.

The Miami International Autodrome presents 19 corners and three long straights on asphalt resurfaced in 2023. The track surface has low roughness and gains grip as the weekend progresses. A notable characteristic observed last year was the circuit’s ability to dry very quickly, demonstrated during the Sprint when drivers switched from intermediates to slicks despite heavy rain before the start.

Fewer uncertainties are expected in race strategy due to historically limited tyre degradation in Miami, allowing drivers to extend stints and complete the Grand Prix with only a single pit stop. Neutralisations remain a factor on Sunday, as precision is crucial on any street circuit. Last year’s victory by Oscar Piastri followed a straightforward approach, with drivers splitting between Medium and Hard compounds before a mid-distance pit window.

Of the four editions held around the Dolphins’ stadium, half have been won by Max Verstappen, while McLaren drivers have shared the last two victories. Lando Norris won in 2024 followed by Piastri in 2025, though neither McLaren driver has ever secured pole position at this event. Verstappen has two poles, with the others taken by Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.

The entire Miami weekend operates under the Pirelli banner, as all support categories are supplied by the Italian company. The second round of Formula 2 has been relocated to Florida, joined by the McLaren Trophy North America and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America. The latter series now receives Pirelli’s P Zero DHG compound introduced last season.

The Miami podium cap, designed by Denis Dekovic for Pirelli Design, draws inspiration from a sea predator with grey shades resembling shark skin. The animal is also referenced by visor stickers depicting jaws or body. The special edition cap is already available for purchase online.

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Comerio Ercole recently attended three major international trade fairs, namely the Indian Rubber Expo, Chinaplas and Techtextil. These events allowed the company to present its calendering solutions while reconnecting with longstanding partners and new potential clients across various markets. The strong interest recorded at each fair facilitated valuable discussions and provided clear insights into current industry trends and evolving customer requirements.

A significant achievement during this period was receiving the Industry Pioneer Award at Chinaplas, jointly presented by Adsale Plastics Network and the fair organisers. This recognition was granted specifically for Comerio Ercole’s calendering lines designed for PVC film, honouring the company’s innovation, technical expertise and ongoing technological development.

On 15 April 2026, during National Made in Italy Day in Rome, the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy officially recognised 1,000 Historical Brands of National Interest. As a proud member of this exclusive registry, Comerio Ercole participated in the institutional event, reaffirming its role in strengthening the global reputation of Made in Italy. The company stands as a testament to how tradition and Italian heritage can seamlessly integrate with the demands of today’s market.

Beyond its industrial and commercial activities, Comerio Ercole has demonstrated a broader commitment to social responsibility and sustainable innovation. It donated 10 mountain bikes to the LIUC University Residence in Castellanza to support student mobility and encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle. Furthermore, the company received a national award at the 13th edition of the Premio Impresa Ambiente in the category ‘Best Process/Technology for Sustainable Development’ for its LOGOS devulcanisation system, which transforms rubber waste and end-of-life tyres into recycled compounds comparable to virgin materials while reducing emissions. This recognition affirms that industrial excellence and environmental responsibility can advance together.

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Tegeta Green Planet recently visited the Georgian-American School in Batumi to mark Earth Day, where a presentation on specific waste management was held for fifth and sixth grade students. The meeting was conducted in an interactive format and included a variety of activities, enabling students to better understand environmental responsibility and the importance of proper waste handling.

Students actively participated in discussions, answered questions and engaged in practical tasks, gaining knowledge they can apply in everyday life about treating the environment responsibly and transforming waste into a resource. At the end of the activity, participants received certificates and symbolic gifts for their engagement, which further boosted their motivation and positive experience.

Established under the corporate social responsibility framework of Tegeta Holding, Tegeta Green Planet aims to raise environmental awareness in society and encourage sustainable behaviour. The organisation’s team actively collaborates with educational institutions by visiting schools and delivering informative presentations, interactive activities and engaging games that help students understand environmental protection through practical examples.

The main goal of the initiative is to raise environmental awareness among the younger generation and develop skills that will help them become more responsible citizens in the future. This activity is part of a broader educational campaign through which Tegeta Green Planet will gradually visit schools across different regions of Georgia.

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The Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) has called on the Government of India to introduce customs duty relief on critical raw materials due to supply chain instability from the West Asia crisis. ATMA acknowledged the government’s temporary duty exemption on synthetic rubber and certain resins until June 2026 as a constructive step.

Despite this, ATMA noted that inputs like tyre cord fabric, bead wire, steel cord, carbon black, processing oils and petrochemical chemicals still attract high import duties during price volatility and supply constraints. Crude-linked inputs account for up to 70 percent of raw material costs, with volatile crude prices and stressed shipping routes raising costs, delaying shipments and increasing freight and insurance premiums.

ATMA also highlighted bead wire shortages caused by domestic industrial gas and LPG issues, requesting a temporary waiver from Quality Control Order requirements for imports. The association sought sulphur supplies for tyre manufacturers and urged refineries to sustain process oils while shifting towards high-value materials like Neodymium Polybutadiene Rubber.

ATMA warned that raw material disruptions could affect farm and logistics tyre supplies. The association reaffirmed support for Make in India and self-reliance, stressing continued government-industry dialogue to protect original equipment manufacturers, transporters, farmers and consumers.

Arun Mammen, Chairman, ATMA, said, "We appreciate the Government’s timely support. However, given continued global uncertainties, extending duty relief to other critical raw materials is essential to maintain production stability and cost competitiveness."

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