GCAPS physical testing expertise has led to research and new modelling methods for improved products delivered to our customers, including global vehicle manufacturers, tyre manufacturers, and championship motorsports teams. These clients have used GCAPS modelling and testing services to elevate their performance in vehicle handling, autonomous vehicle technology, and many other aspects of transportation simulation. The ability to provide these services begins with the LTRe (Figure 1).

The LTRe was purpose-built with motorsports in mind. Infused with highly dynamic positioning rates, a maximum speed range of 320 kph, high force capabilities, and electric drives enabling driving and braking conditions throughout the entire speed range makes the LTRe the most dynamically capable machine globally. High spindle torque capabilities and overall size allow GCAPS to test heavier tyres such as light trucks and some commercial truck/bus tyres.

Until the establishment of GCAPS in 2012, the motorsports industry had been limited to either on-track or low-speed machine tests to quantify tyre response. On-track test methods are adequate for simulation validation but are often not comprehensive enough to measure pure tyre response due to vehicle dynamics interference and inconsistent terrains. Low-speed indoor methods will capture tyre responses, but speed limitations result in data extrapolation in trend analysis and tyre models at higher speed ranges. Increasing speed will affect the growth of the tyre, typically shown in loaded radius measurements, thereby changing the tyre’s contact patch dimensions and directly affecting the tyres force generation. This demonstrates the importance of measuring the tyre’s response throughout the vehicle’s operating domain. A tenth of a second in motorsports can mean finishing multiple positions behind the leader. Capturing accurate data at operating speed allows teams to optimize their performance and improve lap time. The LTRe provides such measurements to reduce speed sensitivity compensations in tyre models and measure the tyre’s response more accurately with a flat contact patch interface.

Another illustration of the LTRe’s dynamic capabilities is completing drive file replays (Figure 2). On-track or simulation data can be used as machine inputs to replicate vehicle manoeuvres. This test method can be used to validate tyre models, inform construction and vehicle setup analysis, or test the tyre’s durability. The LTRe is also instrumented with premium thermal measurement sensors (Figure 3) to capture the tyre’s outer and inner carcass temperatures to monitor the thermal state of the tire, develop thermal models, and improve lap-time predictions in simulation. GCAPS has developed a thermal logic algorithm, using customer-defined locations and temperature setpoints, controlling the tyre’s position in the test sequence until the defined setpoints of the tire are satisfied. This method ensures optimal and consistent temperatures are met before testing continues with the most efficient time, which inevitably reduces thermal variations in tyre response.

Heavy emphasis has been placed on vehicle simulations to improve the performance of handling, ride comfort, and safety. These areas are desired by customers and are required to comply with federal regulations.  GCAPS Simulation group produces commercially available tyre models such MF-Tyre™, MF-Swift™, PAC2002, and FTire™. These models are widely known across the industry and used frequently in vehicle dynamics platforms.  Utilizing their dynamic, thermal, and unique cleat capabilities, GCAPS has internally developed procedure methods aimed at improving the model’s fidelity which have been verified with the tyre model creators. These capabilities ensure and improve the robustness of these tyre models by offering dynamic test data to properly characterize the tyre’s response and match innovative vehicle maneuvers.  GCAPS offers both testing and modeling at the same facility, which will improve modeling results, shorten lead times, and reduce costs.  Additionally, GCAPS simulation team has the experience and industry leading expertise to generate tyre models that improve vehicle simulations and enhance the mobility industry. 

Not all race events have ideal sunny and dry days.  Many series will continue the race as rain occurs.  To gain knowledge of the wet tyre response, GCAPS has developed a water delivery system that can apply a consistent water depth to the tyre for speeds up to 250 kph on its LTRe. Using the water delivery system, GCAPS engineers have developed procedures to not only determine a hydroplaning speed, but also how a tire performs for all conditions a vehicle may encounter on roads or racetracks. Using the LTRe coupled with the water delivery system, changes in tyre force generation are measured at various speeds, loads, cambers, pressures, and even water depth. This information provides insight into the tyre’s force generation differences, which can loop back into the stability and safety assessments in wet conditions of highway vehicles ADS technology, and motorsport vehicles.  The methodologies developed by GCAPS have been used to quantify and improve the compounds and tread pattern designs of motorsport tires. 

Motorsport tyre design requires an in-depth knowledge of tyre response, irrespective of the vehicles their placed on. Pirelli faces a new challenge ahead of the 2022 season relative to tyre design, the new vehicle aero package coupled with a change in tire size from a 13-inch to 18-inch diameter wheel. With overall tyre diameter increasing from 660mm to 720mm (~3-inch difference), a reduction in sidewall height inevitable, requiring structural changes to the tyre to maintain current performance demands and removing the team’s ability to rely on historical data increase the challenges for understanding the tyre.. Teams use historical data through race events, practices, and testing to apply setup configurations to the car. Since there is no historical data for the new tyre designs, teams will rely on testing data from both on-track and laboratory environments. It is imperative that testing be performed at a facility containing the resources and capabilities to match conditions seen on track. GCAPS provides this framework to their motorsport’s customers by removing speed compensations, helping improve vehicle setup decisions, and optimizing overall performance.

Over the years, GCAPS has developed and implemented processes, test procedures, and processing tools to improve quality assurance for their customers. These methods are used to evaluate machine health, repeatability, and data quality, which is the reason GCAPS customers can collect such comprehensive data over the span of almost a decade and trust its validity. Yearly machine calibrations are completed by GCAPS to ensure machine repeatability, giving them explicit knowledge of system components and capabilities. For their global customer’s needs, GCAPS understands the importance of time and accuracy with respect to traveling schedules and deadlines, offering adjustable operating hours and virtual attendance options to remain flexible.

In January of 2013, Goodyear Racing became GCAPS first motorsports customer, and have consistently used GCAPS capabilities to improve tyre development, becoming even more prevalent in Goodyear’s development of the new 18-inch diameter tyre being implemented in the 2022 NASCAR season (Figure 4). GCAPS continues expanding their motorsports customer base, including a variety of racing series’ from IMSA to Formula 1, and notable customers which include Pirelli Motorsports and Alpine F1. GCAPS LTRe provides an asset to the motorsports industry and is used by championship series’ across the globe. So, why shouldn’t you?

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Bridgestone’s Potenza Sport EVO has earned two independent test accolades, strengthening the tyre maker’s standing in the ultra-high-performance segment. The double success spans a victory in What Car?’s summer tyre test and a Recommended award from evo.

In What Car?’s evaluation of 11 summer tyres, the Potenza Sport EVO ranked first. Fitted to a Volvo XC60, it drew praise for predictable handling and secure performance in wet and dry conditions, along with communicative steering suited to a premium performance tyre.

The What Car? results also underscored tyre choice’s safety implications. In wet braking, the Bridgestone stopped 7.3 metres shorter than the Goodride competitor. The publication concluded that the Potenza Sport EVO justified its higher price, highlighting the value of investing in quality tyres.

The evo test delivered further recognition. The Potenza Sport EVO finished second overall but secured the Recommended award and was arguably the standout performer across individual disciplines, taking five first-place finishes. It earned top subjective ratings for polished, effortless behaviour, excelled in wet grip, traction and stability and set the fastest handling-course time, becoming the only tyre to break 51 seconds.

Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director, Bridgestone UK, said, "To achieve such outstanding results in two highly respected independent tyre tests is a fantastic endorsement of the Potenza Sport EVO and the engineering that has gone into its development. Winning the What Car? test against 10 other competitors, while also securing evo's Recommended Award and five individual test victories, demonstrates the tyre's exceptional breadth of capability. These results reflect exactly what we set out to achieve with the Potenza Sport EVO; delivering outstanding performance, control and confidence in a wide range of driving conditions. It's hugely rewarding to see that recognised by independent experts."

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Citira, a Sweden-based company specialising in circular tyre management, has expanded its UK commercial service network by acquiring G & S Tyres Ltd, a move that also brings a modern retreading facility in the London metropolitan area into the group. The deal advances Citira's push towards a national UK footprint, building on its recent purchase of Redpath Tyres in Scotland and its entry into UK market earlier this year via Tyrefix Group.

G&S's local knowledge, solid reputation and retreading strengths align closely with Citira's circular tyre management model, which covers retreading, rim refurbishment and fleet logistics and is already well established across the Nordics and Poland. The East London site is strategically positioned and employs around 45 people.

A two-generation family firm with more than four decades of service to UK customers, G&S will keep trading under its own name with its existing team. Gary, James and Billy Short will stay involved in the business and take shareholdings in the Citira Group.

Oliver Johnson, Head of UK at Citira, said, “G&S Tyres has earned a strong reputation across the UK through its reliability, service quality and close relationships with the fleets and customers it supports. That reputation provides an excellent foundation for the next stage of growth. Following our acquisition of Redpath Tyres in Scotland, G&S is a further step in our ambition to build a national commercial tyre service network with the best people and businesses in the UK.”

Gary Short, speaking on behalf of the Short family, said, “We are very happy to join a group whose ambitions for the UK align so well with our own. Citira is a great home for G&S and gives us the right platform to support the next generation, spearheaded by James and Billy, as they continue to grow and improve the business.”

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Hankook Tyre UK will exhibit on Stand B40 at RTX Scotland, which returns to Glasgow's SEC on 18–19 November 2026 after a successful 2025 debut. The two-day event brings the road transport industry together for innovation, expertise and networking, and Hankook will showcase its extensive portfolio of Hankook and Laufenn commercial vehicle tyres, designed to meet the evolving demands of today's transport operators.

Bigger than last year, the Glasgow show completes a three-market line-up alongside RTX's flagship Stoneleigh event and its Irish show, bringing the same truck-focused approach to audiences across the UK and Ireland. More than 80 exhibitors, from major truck manufacturers and trailer producers to tyre specialists and workshop suppliers, will take part, with over 7,000 visitors expected to explore developments, attend expert-led seminars, workshops and tech talks, and connect with key professionals.

At the heart of the stand, the SmartFlex range addresses regional and long-distance transport. The AL51 for steering and all-position duties and the DL51 for drive axles deliver up to 20 percent lower rolling resistance on long-haul routes than their predecessors, with consistent performance throughout service life, while the AH51 and DH51 offer dependable grip and braking for regional haulage. All can be regrooved and retreaded to maximise tyre life and cost efficiency. Hankook will also present the 315/80R22.5 Smart Work AM11+ for on- and off-road front-steer operations, the AM15+ all-position tyre, the TH31 all-season trailer tyre, the TH51 with Hidden Groove technology and the Vantra ST AS2 van tyre.

Laufenn, Hankook's associated brand, will display its growing commercial vehicle portfolio, including the Laufenn365 initiative, the LR01 and LR02 for on- and off-road applications, the LR53 drive tyre and the X Fit Van 4S. Drawing on Hankook's development expertise, Laufenn combines value, performance and full retreadability to help cost-conscious fleets manage operating costs and environmental impact. With solutions spanning heavy-duty regional haulage, long-distance transport, mixed-service operations and light commercial vehicles, Hankook's presence lets visitors explore products tailored to their needs and connect directly with the team.

James Misselbrook, UK Truck & Bus National Sales Manager, Hankook Tyre UK, said, “RTX Scotland provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fleets, operators and industry partners, and we're excited to be returning for a second year. The event comes at a significant time for Hankook, as we showcase some of the first 385/65R22.5 trailer tyres produced at our new European TBR manufacturing facility in Rácalmás, Hungary. This major investment underlines our long-term commitment to the European market and reinforces our ability to deliver innovative, high-performance tyre solutions that help fleets maximise efficiency and profitability."

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Pirelli is all set for the winter season with its winter tyre range that is renewed over the past two years. The newly launched Scorpion Winter 3 joins the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Independent tests by European organisations have placed Pirelli winter tyres at the front in safety-related areas, while the Cinturato All Season SF3 has recorded four victories and six additional podium finishes.

Winter tyres or suitable equipment are required from 15 November to 15 April. Most winter driving occurs on dry and wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds offer more grip than summer compounds, and the tread pattern helps counter aquaplaning and generate traction on snow. Sidewall markings indicate capability: M+S identifies a product for challenging surfaces, while 3PMSF certifies testing in harsh conditions. An appropriate winter driving style includes increased safety distance, avoiding sudden acceleration and reducing brake use in favour of engine braking.

The Cinturato Winter 3 took first place in the 2026 ADAC winter tyre test in size 225/50 R17 against 16 models, earning a highly recommended rating with the best wet score and the highest assessment for driving safety. It won the AvD test in size 225/45 R17 against 15 tyres with a very good rating. It also finished first in the Auto Bild comparison in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf against 14 tyres with an exemplary rating. Podium finishes followed in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad and Tyre Reviews, giving six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.

The Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory in the alVolante comparison in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, ranking first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance, shortest braking distance, fastest lap time and progressive reactions set it apart. It was judged consistent and predictable on snow and balanced on dry roads.

In the annual Auto Bild super comparative test, the P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an exemplary rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in wet and dry conditions and braking performance on both surfaces. The Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe's electric vehicle fleet. Elect addresses low rolling resistance for range, acoustic comfort, longer tyre life, grip for immediate torque and a reinforced structure for battery weight.

All-season tyres suit drivers mainly in urban areas covering up to 20,000 km per year without frequent heavy snowfall. Higher mileage, regular mountain travel or high-performance cars generally call for winter tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 carries the 3PMSF marking and has four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. The new Scorpion All Season SF3 extends the approach to SUVs.

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