Japan’s endurance race, Super Taikyu Series, will begin its 2021 season with the opening race held on March 20 with Hankook Tire as the exclusive tyre supplier.

The Super Taikyu Series is Japan’s longest-running endurance racing series. It was launched in 1991 and now is the largest Endurance Grand Touring (GT) Series in Asia. The Series not only allows race cars but also production cars that are modified into racing cars, adding enjoyment for spectators and fans.

The Series is also notable for featuring a multi-class structure in order to accommodate a variety of car models. There are nine classes, featuring various models from global premium car brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin and Toyota.

 The season starts with the opening match at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan. The season will be held in a total of six rounds until November in different circuits including Sportsland SUGO, Fuji Speedway, Autopolis, Suzuka Circuit and Okayama International Circuit.

• The opening match takes place at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Japan from March 20-21.
• Hankook Tire will serve as the exclusive supplier of racing tyres, demonstrating its performance throughout the 2021 season.

The first official test race was held at Fuji Speedway on February 27, ahead of the opening match. Hankook Tire was commended highly for its excellent durability and grip, further raising expectations for the upcoming nine-month championship.

Hankook Tire, which became a title sponsor and an exclusive tyre supplier for the 2021 season in which the Series marks its 30th anniversary, will supply race tyres to approximately 60 participating cars. Furthermore, the official title "Super Taikyu Series 2021 Powered by Hankook" will be used and exposed in every game throughout the 2021 season.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Super Taikyu Series 2021, as many global motorsports fans are excited by this Asia’s most renowned pro-am endurance race which invites both professional and amateur drivers to participate and exhibit their performances,” said Sooil Lee, President and COO of Hankook Tire & Technology. “We will once again prove our top-notch technology capabilities and premium performance as well as deliver our passion for the global motorsports and innovative spirit to the world.” (TT)

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In a major step toward sustainable waste management, RPM Automotive Group has partnered with Fornnax to enhance its tyre recycling capabilities in Australia.

As part of the initiative, RPM has integrated Fornnax’s high-capacity SR-200 HD primary shredder into its operations, significantly improving recycling efficiency and material quality.

The collaboration supports RPM’s broader environmental goals and positions the company to process over 180 tonnes of used tyres weekly, with plans to scale beyond 300 tonnes. The move is expected to help RPM capture up to 5 percent of Australia’s national market share in tyre recycling.

Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO, Fornnax, said, "At Fornnax, we understand the urgency of addressing end-of-life tyre waste, not just in Australia but globally. The SR-200 HD Primary Shredder is designed for exceptional efficiency, enabling RPM to process vast quantities of discarded tyres while maintaining optimal operational performance. This collaboration showcases our dedication to providing our clients with the robust, high-performance solutions they need to excel in the circular economy."

RPM’s 3,500 sqmt facility not only boosts recycling output but also transforms waste tyres into rubber-based materials for road projects and industrial fuel. Leveraging its distribution network, the company aims to recycle up to 54,000 tonnes of tyres over five years.

The initiative aligns with Australia’s 2021 ban on tyre waste exports and underscores the urgent need for local recycling solutions.

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Birla Tyre has launched a new brand identity featuring a redesigned logo and corporate website, marking a major step in its transformation journey under new ownership. The company, now backed by a consortium led by Dalmia Bharat Refractories (DBRL) as Resolution Applicant, and strategic partner Himadri Speciality Chemical (HSCL), aims to position itself as a premium, high-performance and future-ready brand.

The company plans to roll out a multi-platform marketing campaign and focus on re-entering key markets, expanding distribution and strengthening its product portfolio.

The refreshed identity reflects Birla Tyre’s renewed focus on speed, innovation and excellence. The new logo includes a custom wordmark symbolising forward motion and a tiger motif – called ‘Tyger’ – representing power, agility and leadership. The blue and orange colour scheme signifies trust and optimism.

Anurag Choudhary, Chairman and Managing Director & CEO, Himadri Speciality Chemical, said, “This rebranding is more than merely a visual transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our dedication to purposeful development and progress.” 

Dr Chandra Narain Maheswari, Whole Time Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Refractories, said, “Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Birla Tyre, which is founded on four fundamental pillars: a legacy that motivates boldness, a product line that is prepared for the future, an unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and a oneness with world around us. As this new identity signals Birla Tyre’s readiness to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry with energy, innovation, and purpose.”

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  - Kumarswamy CE June 19, 2025 06:52 AM

  That is good news…but what about public shares which were purchased before insolvency?? Will they be reallocated under new brand ?

  Reply

The 2025 Rally of Poland commenced amid an atmosphere of mourning following the tragic death of Italian motorsport driver Matteo Doretto in a racing accident.

The 81st edition of Europe's second-oldest rally competition, taking place across the challenging gravel roads of the Masurian Lakes region from June 13-15, has been overshadowed by the loss of the rising Italian talent.

"His loss is a tragedy that deeply saddens us," said Terenzio Testoni, Pirelli Rally Activity Manager. "On behalf of Pirelli, I would like to extend our most heartfelt and sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Despite the sombre mood, 63 crews took to the start line for what remains one of the European Rally Championship's most demanding events. Notable competitors include Jon Armstrong driving a Pirelli-equipped Ford Fiesta, alongside Jos Verstappen and Andrea Mabellini, both piloting Skoda Fabias fitted with Pirelli tyres.

The rally features 14 special stages covering 190.40 timed kilometres across terrain known for its technical difficulty. The Masurian Lakes route presents drivers with uneven, often sandy roads where grip proves elusive even for experienced competitors.

"It's a very difficult and high speed rally, where attention to detail is very important," commented Testoni. "With every car passage the terrain gets rougher, forming deep ruts that can challenge even the most experienced drivers."

Weather conditions are forecast to remain dry, though organisers caution that conditions can change rapidly on such challenging terrain.

The rally serves as the third round of this season's ERC Fiesta Rally3 trophy, for which Pirelli provides exclusive tyre supply. Competing crews have access to three variants from Pirelli's Scorpion gravel range: the K4A hard compound, the K6A soft compound designated as the prime choice for this event, and the K8B supersoft option.

Regulations permit each crew to utilise 16 tyres total, including those selected for qualifying sessions. Trophy category vehicles will run on Scorpion 175/70-15 specifications in both K4 hard and K6 soft compounds.

Rally Poland's reputation for difficulty stems from its unique surface characteristics, where the sandy base becomes increasingly rutted as more vehicles traverse each stage. The deteriorating conditions throughout the weekend create an additional strategic element as crews must balance speed with mechanical preservation.

The event's location in the Masurian Lakes region, known for its natural beauty, provides a stark contrast to the intense competition unfolding on its roads. The rally has maintained its position as a crucial championship round despite the technical challenges it presents to both drivers and machinery.

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UK-based tyre safety watchdog TyreSafe has welcomed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)’s announcement highlighting Britain’s fast lane position for self-driving vehicles.

While the safety watchdog has acknowledged the potential the technology holds for enhancing road safety and reducing collisions, it maintains a caution towards the effectiveness and safety benefits of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – and by extension, fully autonomous vehicles. This it shared are intrinsically linked to the fundamental safety and maintenance of a vehicle’s tyres.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are incredibly optimistic about the future of mobility and the significant strides being made in self-driving technology. Anything that has the potential to save lives and dramatically reduce serious collisions on our roads is something TyreSafe wholeheartedly supports.”

“However, it is crucial to remember that even the most sophisticated ADAS systems rely on optimal vehicle performance, and tyres are the sole point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Without sound tyre safety management – ensuring correct pressure, tread depth, and condition – the integrity and performance of these advanced systems can be severely compromised,” said Lovatt.

He highlighted the persistent issues that is seen among current vehicle owners, when it comes to proper tyre maintenance. 

“For many years, tyres have consistently been identified as the primary cause of MOT failures for vehicles up to seven years old. This underscores a widespread complacency regarding tyre safety that we must collectively address,” he added.

As per the latest statistics, over 35 percent of MOT failures were attributed to previous tyre-related advisories, which translates to 768,410 drivers ignoring warnings and subsequently failed their next MOT due to tyre issues. The trend of vehicles failing MOTs on wheel and tyre-related advisories is unfortunately increasing, indicating a growing disregard for these critical safety components.

“The promise of self-driving vehicles is immense, but their safety cannot be fully realised if the foundational elements are neglected. As we move towards a more autonomous future, the importance of tyres – their condition and correct maintenance – becomes even more paramount. TyreSafe urges all stakeholders, from manufacturers to policymakers and drivers, to recognise that tyre safety is not just an advisory; it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safe, efficient, and technologically advanced motoring,” concluded Lovatt.

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