One of the main symbols of 24 Hours of Le Mans will be overhauled in 2026. Present since the first edition, in 1923, the Ponte Dunlop It occupies the highest point of the track and can be seen from different angles of the circuit, making it one of racing’s most iconic landmarks. However, from next year it will change its name and become Good year.
According to the Ouest-France website, the change of name of the monument is linked to the sale of Dunlop by Goodyear to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which already owned the brand until 1999. In the past, the Japanese company sold the global rights to Dunlop to the American giant, but retained exclusive control in Japan. The deal took place in early 2025 and generated approximately US$700 million, or R$3.9 billion.
Dunlop was present at Le Mans until 2019, when it was replaced by Goodyear itself, official tire supplier for the LMP2 and LMGT3 categories. Despite this, until that time there were no plans to rename the traditional French way bridge.
According to STEELa new bridge will be built in partnership with Goodyear, but part of the current Dunlop structure will have to be reused. The project also includes the modernization of the Goodyear Racing Club, located at the end of the first straight, in addition to the renovation of the Goodyear Grandstand and the Indianapolis Curve.
As part of the partnership between the brands, the ACO and Goodyear announced the donation of a historic collection of objects related to the Dunlop Bridge to the new Le Mans Museum, scheduled to open in May 2026.
Will the Nürburgring 24 Hours also be affected?
Inspired by the purchase of Dunlop, Sumitomo will restructure its entire operations, placing Dunlop as the main brand, which is expected to affect the Falken. Previously the central point of the project, it will move to a level lower than the French tradition.
Among the possible changes planned is the change of Falken’s colors at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. Although it has not been confirmed, it is expected that at least one of the team’s cars will wear Goodyear colors. It should be noted, however, that Falken’s supply contract with Nürburgrin runs until 2028 and is not expected to be affected.
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