Tyre research and development  racing groups  are working vigorously on new combinations of hardeners, fillers, polymers or fine-tuning design parameters. They are eagerly looking for ways to improve grip, durability, handling and comfort in wet or dry conditions. They customise tyres for particular weather and track conditions. Each of their design logic is different. On race tracks, the tyres operate under extreme conditions that cannot be fully simulated on indoor test drums. Therefore, the development of the tyre is always complemented by the actual result of the route. They bring dozens of different specification tyres to the track for a single sponsored car. Regular road tyres are very different from racing tyres. However, tyre manufacturers are still considering or applying a combination of new race specifications to improve rolling resistance, increase grip or maximise durability.

Motorsport is in many ways the ultimate R&D programme for the tyre companies, and they spend heavy budgets on such programmes. Thus, they strictly defend their intellectual property. They pick up all the pieces of rubber that were torn off and left on the track to make sure they have all the tyres again. They work until they are sure they have all the parts.

The racing car reaches a top speed of up to 400 kmph, and the tyre has to withstand temperatures of up to 240 degree Celsius  at the point. Or on slower, more twisty tracks, a softer tyre offers more grip, but it still reaches very high working temperatures. Each tyre specification consists of the owner’s technology and each is worth protecting its intellectual property. There are examples where a company threatens racing teams with a fine of one million euros for every tyre lost. Tyre companies don’t want to leave any chance of technology leakage. Every company is very keen to collect its racing tyres before it leaves the circuit. The tyres later are cut off in small pieces and sent to incinerating areas.

But anyway, when all the racing teams arrive on the circuit with hundreds of tyres, they take the risk of leaking some IP information.

The Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyres must have sufficient speed capability along with wet and dry grip performance, which are reflections of some rally tyre specifications

Racing tyres are racers’ best friends and can meet the demands of extreme conditions. Tyres are generally differentiated into ‘soft’, ‘medium’ and ‘hard’. A softer tyre is faster and safer in rallies but has a shorter life, while the hard-tread tyre provides a longer life. On the other hand, there are commercially available rally tyres with different tread compounds belonging to the major brands of rally tyres. Compounds for uphill and wet use for lighter and heavier cars, slick compound for lighter cars, softer and harder slick compound for lighter rally, sprint and endurance, Soft-Medium- Ultra-Very Hard Compound for Slick or Classic, Hard- Soft Compound for Sports Cars, Very Soft-Soft-Medium-Hard GT Hill Climb Blend, Soft Compound for Rally-Cross Applications  are such examples.

When we talk about UHP as a car, it is equipped with upgrades such as a more powerful engine, more powerful brakes, sports suspension and UHP tyres, but especially the body style that shares the base model. Therefore, UHP tyres must have sufficient speed capability along with wet and dry grip performance. Rolling resistance is a leap back and opposes the high grip rate of performance tyres. All these facts are brought together, thanks to the hard work and experience of people in R&D.

Motorsport is an important technological tool for the automotive industry. So it does open horizons to tyre designers.

The rubber of a tyre is viscoelastic; it deforms and adapts to the texture of the road surface as it rolls over it. This asymmetric deformation of the rubber generates a reaction force that prevents drift. In other words, it generates a frictional force which is defined as a grip. The coefficient of friction between the surfaces of the tyre and the track depends mainly on the behaviour of the tyre’s rubber. Tyre hysteresis is a critical factor in generating grip.

Molecular interactions occur at the interface between the tyre rubber and the road surface, which generates grip. The molecular chains of rubber follow this cycle of stretching and breaking, which creates viscoelastic work. This work effectively multiplies the amount of bond energy by a factor that depends on the temperature of the rubber and the speed of rolling. Tyre grip has heretofore been referred to as ‘molecular grip’, which also means why a tyre deposits rubber on a racing track depending on the rubber’s hysteresis, deformability and viscosity. These three parameters are consisting three corners of a triangle. Stretching only one corner to maximise performance does not work.

In many ways, motorsport is part of the ultimate R&D programme. Every aspect of a modern vehicle already part of everyday life has been built and generated with specific technology business development programmes.

Motorsport is an important technological tool for the automotive industry. It is in motorsport that automotive technology evolves. The same goes for racing vehicle tyres that run under such vehicles and are superior in materials and structures, which will later suit the next generation UHP tyres.

In the early days of the automobile, rallies were a kind of enthusiasm full of adrenaline.  ‘Motorsport’ organisations are a convenient way to test attained abilities and stimulate technology in science and people’s lives. Vehicle dynamics is one of the critical issues in the present century and the last century. Much trial and error have been carried out in recent years to achieve speed, safety and transport capacity.

Today’s vehicles are full of sensors for different functions to alert drivers about faulty parts. Pressure monitoring systems in tyres are popular the EU . Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) became mandatory for all M1 vehicle classes after 1 November 2014. Automated Tyre Monitoring and Inflation System can ensure adequate tyre pressure to meet better handling requirements, which is possible with today’s technology and quite suitable for motorsport vehicles. The tyre, as the most important part of vehicles, has varying characteristics with its viscoelastic structure. The automated tyre monitoring and inflation system will reduce the effect of variance on the tyres.

What are the breakthroughs in motorsport events today?

Motorsport by virtual reality could be fully utilised in the design and upgrading of vehicles. Different vehicle models, weather conditions, tyres and situations can be simulated with minimum stress and fun, and this can encourage radical innovations to scale down with significant money savings.

What about self-driving car races?

The Roborace championships with fully autonomous car races have already started in 2019. Self-driving cars on the road are an incredible achievement, thanks to complex algorithms. It learns and reacts to the racing environment and has faster ‘reflexes’ than any human driver capable of making predictions. It is said that a prototype autonomous vehicle generates 100 TB of data a day, which is open to different skills for younger generations.

But either way, the challenges of motorsport will need talented engineers to harness the cutting edge technology of tomorrow’s motorsport. (TT)

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Titan International has introduced the Radial Trail A/T, a new all-terrain high-speed trailer (HST) tyre described as the first true product of its kind in the industry. Unlike conventional trailer tyres that are often adapted from older light truck designs, this model has been engineered entirely from the ground up as a dedicated trailer tyre capable of performing reliably across diverse environments. Alongside this launch, Titan has announced a speed-rating upgrade to its established Radial Trail HD tyre.

The new Radial Trail A/T tyre’s field-tested design incorporates an aggressive tread pattern for enhanced traction on gravel, mud, grass and uneven backroads. The tyre also features a centre tread bridge that lowers rolling resistance to support better fuel efficiency and towing stability. Shoulder tread bridges promote even wear and extend the tyre’s lifespan while reducing road noise, and an open shoulder configuration helps dissipate heat and shed debris. Alternating scoops improve control on soft surfaces such as sand and mud, and extended tread elements along with a rim guard offer added protection against scuffs and impacts. The Radial Trail A/T is currently available in size ST235/75R15 LRE, with four additional sizes expected to roll out over the summer.

Now carrying an N speed rating, which allows for operation at speeds up to 87 mph (approximately 140 kmph), the updated Radial Trail HD tyre incorporates heat-resistant engineering to deliver reliable performance under demanding conditions while surpassing Department of Transportation standards. The enhanced Radial Trail HD tyres are available for order immediately.

Both product releases reflect Titan’s continued focus on advancing trailer tyre technology through purpose-built solutions. Whether used for long highway journeys or off-road exploration, these tyres aim to provide drivers with improved traction, durability, and dependability. Together, they represent the company’s broader effort to support trailer owners with greater confidence and peace of mind on the road.

Ryan Fuller, High Speed Trailer Product Manager, Titan Specialty Division, said, “Titan is setting a new standard in high-speed trailer tyre performance. The Radial Trail A/T is the first trailer tyre truly engineered for all-terrain conditions, not adapted from outdated moulds. Combined with the enhancements to the Radial Trail HD, we’re giving our customers unmatched confidence whether they’re hauling down highways or navigating rugged backroads.”

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Continental has once again been recognised as ‘Tire Manufacturer of the Year’ at the latest edition of Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence, marking the fifth time it has received this prestigious honour. The independent jury acknowledged the company's groundbreaking tyre technologies, innovative measurement approaches and continuous production process enhancements for establishing new industry standards. Additionally, Continental received the ‘Environmental Achievement of the Year – Manufacturing’ award for its substantial progress in reducing water consumption during tyre production.

During the 3 March ceremony in Hannover, the jury specifically highlighted several key developments from Continental's 2025 initiatives. The company advanced sustainability through the adoption of renewable synthetic rubber components, including pyrolysis oil recovered from end-of-life tyres and recycled cooking oil. A collaborative effort with the Technical University of Braunschweig yielded an innovative method for detecting tyre wear particles using a specialised vacuum system positioned behind drive wheels, equipped with sensitive particle sensors capable of identifying even microscopic airborne debris from various vehicle locations.

The VanContact A/S Eco received special recognition as the first van tyre to achieve the highest ‘A’ rating across all three EU tire label categories – rolling resistance, wet grip and rolling noise. Continental's partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit promoting responsible natural rubber sourcing in Indonesia also earned jury commendation.

Between 2020 and 2025, Continental successfully reduced water withdrawal per metric tonne of product by over 10 percent across all production facilities, conserving an impressive 197 million litres of water. This achievement resulted from implementing advanced filtration and membrane technologies that enable approximately 90 percent of wastewater to be treated and reused. The company maintains a comprehensive water management approach, systematically refining processes related to heating, cooling and sanitation. External validation of these efforts came through a ‘B’ rating from the independent organisation CDP for Continental's 2025 water management practices.

Edwin Goudswaard, Head of Research and Development at Continental Tires, said, “Tyres are our passion. We are committed to optimising them and making our manufacturing processes even more advanced and resource-efficient. Our greatest strength is our global team, working together closely to develop highly creative and innovative solutions. The jury honoured this very special commitment. And I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all our colleagues for their remarkable dedication.”

Henning Mühlenstedt, Head of Future Technologies and Sustainable Infrastructure at Continental Tires, said, “Water is a valuable resource. Our continued progress in reducing consumption at our plants demonstrates how effective our approach is.”

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The Tyre Recovery Association has confirmed that its 2026 TRA Briefing Day will take place on 15 September 2026 at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Coventry. The event, themed Giving REAL Meaning to the Circular Economy, will provide essential insights into the challenges and opportunities currently facing end-of-life tyre recycling both in the UK and globally.

Now an annual fixture, the Briefing Day aims to bring together industry professionals to discuss key developments in the sector. Attendance is free of charge for TRA members, media representatives, industry partners and regulators. For all other participants, a fee of GBP 70 plus VAT will apply, which includes access to a buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance by contacting the TRA office via post, telephone, email or through the association’s website. The event promises to deliver valuable updates and analysis for all those involved in the tyre recovery and recycling industry.

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Hankook has confirmed its partnership for the 2026 Convoy Truck Shows, stepping in as an infield partner for the series, which runs in tandem with the British Truck Racing Championships (BTRC). These events offer a distinctive fusion of high-octane track action and the immersive atmosphere of a large-scale truck gathering. This renewed involvement deepens Hankook’s footprint at some of the most eagerly awaited dates on the UK motorsport and haulage calendar.

The season’s schedule commences with Convoy on the Plain on 16–17 May, followed by Convoy Cymru on 20–21 June. The flagship gathering, Convoy in the Park, will round off the summer season on 8–9 August. Attendees can look forward to a full agenda of British truck racing, breathtaking stunt performances, live entertainment and attractions for all ages, alongside a remarkable display of working vehicles, custom rigs and pristine show trucks. Mirroring its sponsorship of the Devon Truck Show, Hankook’s partnership with the Convoy series supports its wider mission to generate substantial donations for local charitable causes and community groups, positioning it as an event with purpose beyond spectacle.

At each of these shows, Hankook will spotlight its cutting-edge range of commercial and consumer tyres. Key exhibits will feature the SmartFlex AH51 for steer axles and the SmartFlex DH51 for drives, both engineered for long-haul and regional use and prized for superior traction and extended durability. Also on show will be the SmartFlex TH31 trailer tyre, the Vantra Transit summer tyre for commercial vans and several models from the Laufenn portfolio, such as the LZ22 all-weather drive tyre, the LF21 all-position tyre and the robust LF95 trailer tyre.

Rounding out the display are the Dynapro HP2 all-season SUV tyre and the iON evo SUV, a cutting-edge summer tyre purpose-built for electric vehicles, underlining Hankook’s forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility. Through its involvement in the Convoy Truck Shows, Hankook reinforces its dedication to the haulage industry by engaging directly with drivers, fleet operators and enthusiasts, showcasing tyre innovations focused on safety, efficiency and peak performance, all while actively contributing to valuable community initiatives.

Event Director Mike Quartley said, "We’re thrilled to have Hankook Tyre UK return as an official sponsor of the Convoy Truck Shows. After the success of last year’s collaboration, continuing the partnership was an easy decision for us. Hankook’s commitment to the industry and to our events adds real value across the board – from contributing to the scale and quality of the events to elevating the atmosphere and experience for our audience. We’re proud to be building on this relationship as the Convoy series continues to grow.”

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