The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has confirmed that Pirelli will serve as the exclusive tyre supplier for all FIA-certified Formula Regional championships from 2026, aligning the series under a unified technical and sporting framework as it introduces a new generation of race cars.

Already the sole tyre supplier for Formula 1, Formula 2, and Formula 3, Pirelli’s expanded remit underscores its pivotal role across the FIA’s global single-seater development ladder. The Italian tyre manufacturer will also provide tyres for both the Formula Regional and the inaugural Formula 4 World Cups at the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, further cementing its presence in top-tier motorsport events.

“We are delighted to have been appointed sole tyre supplier for the FIA-certified Formula Regional championships,” said Mario Isola, Pirelli’s Motorsport Director. “It is a significant endorsement of the worth of our technology, and the quality and reliability of our tyres... It recognises our ability to deliver specific products for every level of driver development.”

Pirelli has supplied Formula Regional tyres since the series debut in 2019. The competition evolved into the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) following a merger with Formula Renault in 2021. From 2026, the championship will see a significant transformation with the introduction of a new car featuring bespoke 15-inch tyres developed by Pirelli to ensure improved performance and parity across all global championships.

“With Pirelli on board as an exclusive tyre partner, Formula Regional is set to thrive and deliver incredible racing and greater sporting parity across our different championships so that we offer young drivers an equal opportunity to show their skill,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “This next phase... reflects our ambition to create a truly modern, competitive, and accessible platform for developing drivers.”

At the 2025 Macau Grand Prix, Pirelli will also supply tyres to the FIA GT World Cup, continuing a long-standing relationship with the prestigious street circuit event, which has served as a proving ground for numerous future Formula 1 stars.

Pirelli’s commitment to developing tailored products for all levels of single-seater racing reinforces its role as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of global motorsport.

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Hankook Tire has launched its new e-Vantra FlexClimate all-season tyre as original equipment for the popular Volkswagen Crafter van. Supplied in the size 205/75 R16C 113/111R, this development marks a significant expansion of the company's portfolio within the light commercial vehicle sector. While debuting on the Crafter with conventional drive technology, the tyre was engineered to address the specific demands of both electric and internal combustion engine vans. A release on the replacement market is also planned for the near future.

The tyre’s design prioritises core commercial vehicle requirements, including high load capacity, exceptional durability and resistance to wear. A key feature is its reinforced sidewall, which is constructed to reliably absorb high transverse forces and ensure stable and safe handling, even when the vehicle is fully loaded. This structural integrity is further enhanced by a multi-reinforced bead structure and an optimised bead filler height, providing outstanding stability across diverse driving conditions.

Performance is augmented by a tread compound with a high silica content, functionalised polymers and special resins. This combination is engineered to deliver excellent wet braking performance, high durability and reduced rolling resistance. The tread pattern itself incorporates advanced 3D sipe technology to improve block rigidity, promote a uniform wear pattern and ensure reliable traction. An innovative zigzag sipe pattern provides added grip on snow and mud. Consequently, the Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, confirming its suitability for use in severe winter conditions.

Jongho Park, President and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said, “With our appointment as an original equipment manufacturer for the VW Crafter, we are underlining our commitment to continuing to expand our product portfolio in the van segment and to offering innovative solutions to meet the diverse requirements of our commercial customers. The Hankook e-Vantra FlexClimate combines numerous characteristics that make it ideal for demanding everyday use. This product focuses on state-of-the-art technologies that enhance efficiency and safety, ensuring it is well equipped to meet changes in the sector.”

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Bridgestone, a global leader in high-performance tyres and sustainable mobility solutions, has been selected as the sole tyre supplier for Lamborghini’s new Fenomeno supercar. This exclusive partnership reinforces Bridgestone’s role as Lamborghini’s Official Technical Partner, a collaboration spanning five years and covering the entire Lamborghini lineup, including the Huracán STO, Revuelto and now the ultra-exclusive Fenomeno.

Limited to just 29 units, the Fenomeno commemorates two decades of Lamborghini’s in-house design excellence. Powered by a record-breaking 1080 CV V12 engine, it accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 2.4 seconds and 0-200 kmph in 6.7 seconds, making it the fastest Lamborghini ever. To match this performance, Bridgestone developed custom Potenza Sport tyres, engineered for ultra-high-speed stability, precise handling and optimal grip. Available in 265/30 ZRF21 (front) and 355/25 ZRF22 (rear) sizes, these tyres also feature Run Flat Technology, allowing drivers to travel up to 80 km at 80 kmph even after a puncture.

For enthusiasts seeking track-level performance on public roads, Bridgestone offers a semi-slick variant, homologated for street use while delivering race-inspired grip. Both tyre options were developed using Bridgestone’s Virtual Tyre Development (VTD) technology, which enhances sustainability by reducing prototype waste, cutting testing time by 50 percent and lowering CO2 emissions by up to 60 percent during production.

Radoslaw Bolkowski, Vice President OE Sales at Bridgestone EMEA, said, “Our longstanding partnership with Lamborghini is rooted in a shared passion for innovation, excellence and top performance. With the Fenomeno, our team had the challenge of unleashing the full potential of Lamborghini’s most powerful V12 ever – and they’ve delivered. The custom-engineered Bridgestone Potenza tyres offer the control, grip and precision needed to enhance this car’s exceptional capabilities – on both the road and track.”

Christian Mastro, Lamborghini’s Marketing Director, said, “At Lamborghini, design and performance go hand in hand – and with Bridgestone, we have a partner who understands both. Tyres are a vital part of how a supercar performs: outside of technical updates, 70 percent of the improvements in these cars today come from advances in the tyres they sit on. Bridgestone’s bespoke Potenza line-up ensures that every drive in the Fenomeno can deliver against this vehicle’s stunning speed and power.”

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Bridgestone participated in the global launch of the Lamborghini Temerario in Estoril, Portugal, as the Official Technical Partner of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., reinforcing their exclusive collaboration. As the sole tyre supplier for the new model, Bridgestone developed a tailored tyre range to enhance the Temerario’s capabilities, featuring the Potenza Sport and Potenza Race for summer road and track performance, alongside the Blizzak LM005 winter variant.

During the event, approximately 400 attendees experienced firsthand the synergy between the Temerario and its custom Bridgestone tyres, testing their performance on the track. Guests also visited the Bridgestone Corner, where they interacted with the engineers behind the tyre development and gained insights into the technology powering these high-performance solutions. The occasion showcased the pinnacle of innovation and partnership, highlighting Bridgestone’s commitment to delivering excellence for Lamborghini’s latest supercar.

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Nexen Tire has strengthened its position in the European original equipment (OE) market through a new partnership with Stellantis, supplying high-performance tyres for the Citroën C5 and C5 Aircross SUVs. The agreement highlights Nexen’s growing influence among global automakers.

The approved tyre, the N'FERA Sport (size 225/60R18 104V XL), is a summer tyre designed for superior high-speed stability, wet grip and braking performance – qualities that complement the Citroën C5 series’ dynamic driving experience. Produced at Nexen’s Czech Republic facility, the tyres meet stringent OE standards for quality, sustainability and supply chain efficiency.

The N'FERA Sport has earned widespread acclaim, securing top ratings in 2025 tests by leading European automotive organisations. Germany’s ADAC and AutoBild Sportscars awarded it a ‘Good’ rating, while Switzerland’s TCS deemed it ‘Very recommendable’. Austria’s ÖAMTC also recognised its strong performance, reinforcing its reputation as a premium summer tyre.

This collaboration reflects Nexen Tire’s strategic push to expand its OE business with top-tier automakers, further solidifying its global footprint in the competitive tire industry.

Edwin van der Stad, Vice President Europe Original Equipment at Nexen Tire, said, “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Stellantis by being selected as an OE supplier for the Citroën C5/C5 Aircross. This collaboration highlights our technological capabilities and commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable tyres to global automakers.”

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