Gaurav Gill is a well-known name in the motorsports fraternity. He learnt to drive a car at the age of 10 and started drifting in cars by the age of 13. His first pro race was at the young age of 16yrs when he started racing motocross all over India until his accident in 2015. His first race on four wheels was in 2003 at the Formula Maruti Championship.

He went on to win championships from 2004, by 2006 he had won multiple National Racing Championships. The big jump in his career came in 2007 when he started racing at the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. He was also given the coveted Arjuna Award, the top recognition to sports achievers by the Indian government.

Tyre Trends talked to Gaurav

You’ve been racing since 2003, over the years, you’ve had many victories. How important a role have tyres played in your races?

Tyres often play one of the most important roles and most people underestimate this, you can have all the power you want but if you don’t have the right tyre it’s never going to be of any use !

Choosing the right set of tyres for the right race is crucial. Do you have a checkpoint list that you go through to determine which tyre you should use for a rally race?

Yes, there are several checklists. Surface, Surface temperatures, air temperature, overall day weather...

The ever-changing ground conditions between stages and the notoriously different terrain … how do you manage to keep your cars tyres at their optimum performance level?

Yes, rallying is a complex sport. The conditions are constantly changing. We have repeat stages, but the conditions can change dramatically and the tyre performance can be vastly affected. It’s important to understand the limit of the tyres and to be driving to the conditions within the tyre limit is the key to survival.

 As an experienced rally driver, do you weigh in on the choice of tyres needed for a race?

Yes, of course, the right tyre compound can be the easy decider when it comes to winning or losing. It’s one of the key factors for a successful result.

At the Gaurav Gill Advanced Driving Academy are there any key points that you emphasise on when it comes to tyres?

Absolutely! Rallying is a sport where the driver doesn’t have much traction due to the surface conditions so the driver has to be smart enough to create traction for himself accordingly. Tyres are one the main tools a driver has apart from mechanical grip which works in tandem. To be able to use the tyre to its potential and not overuse it is what we emphasise on as it can be the most crucial point during an event.

Any advice for young rally aspirants?

Focus and dedication are very important in any sport. Never use public roads to practice!

The school

The Gaurav Gill Advanced Driving Academy is all about the science behind driving. The academy has given opportunities to men, women of all ages and even teenagers as young as 14-years old to witness a world class level of rally driving from Gaurav Gill and to be educated and trained by Gaurav Gill along with his self-trained instructors to take their driving levels par excellence.

GG-ADA has hosted schools in Delhi and around Coimbatore on the legendary rally stages of the Indian Rally C’ship giving an opportunity to the participants to reach speeds of up to 150 kmph on natural gravel roads. GG ADA is all about selling the highest driving standards to people not only in India but internationally also including FIA African champion who is regularly trained under Gaurav Gill.

The idea in the future is to open the academy with 5-6 rally cars with JK Tyre branding, support and using the JK Rally Tyres in India and make this into a permanent facility with rally cars & instructors available in the South and the north of India to be hosted by GG on monthly basis and also to attract corporate clients and make it into commercially viable weekend getaway for the adventure & the adrenaline junkie. Gaurav Gill also plans to create an alliance with the Indian Armed forces and the Traffic police spreading awareness of safe driving and smart driving through GG-ADA.

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Michelin has announced a strategic collaboration with BLAST, the organiser behind the 2026 Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS), which serves as the premier global tournament for the popular video game Rocket League. Through this agreement, Michelin becomes an official partner of one of the most energetic and widely viewed eSports properties on the international stage.

Rocket League itself enjoys immense global popularity, attracting several million active participants on a monthly basis. The RLCS season consistently draws tens of millions of views across the world, underscoring its significant reach. This move allows Michelin to deepen its involvement in the competitive gaming sector by associating with a high-profile series known for its passionate following.

The game’s core dynamic involves vehicles competing in a fast-paced arena where precision, control and rapid execution are paramount. These very attributes closely align with Michelin’s established heritage in mobility solutions and high-performance engineering, particularly its extensive background in motorsport. The partnership therefore represents a natural extension of the brand’s core principles into a digital environment.

By entering the world of the RLCS, Michelin seeks to enhance its connection with younger demographics and solidify its relevance within the digital spaces that are increasingly defining future trends and cultural habits. This initiative builds on a foundation of over 25 years during which Michelin has cultivated partnerships within the gaming and automotive simulation spheres, consistently applying its technological know-how to support both realism and superior performance in virtual driving experiences.

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The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has entered into a new agreement to serve as the official tyre supplier for BMW M Motorsport, the division responsible for the brand's global racing endeavours. This collaboration will debut at the prestigious Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and throughout the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie in 2026.

This renewed partnership revives a historical connection between the two companies, who previously worked together on the same iconic circuit from 1980 to 1990. During that initial decade-long stint, their combined efforts secured two overall victories. After an interval of nearly four decades, they are reuniting for the current season to compete in the premier SP9 class, fielding the BMW M4 GT3 EVO. For this campaign, Yokohama will equip the vehicle with its high-performance ADVAN racing tyres, with the shared objective of capturing another overall win.

Beyond its tie-up with the BMW team, Yokohama Rubber continues its longstanding commitment to the Nürburgring. It will provide its tyres to numerous leading teams contesting both the endurance series and the 24-hour event this season. The company is focused on achieving an overall championship victory for a vehicle equipped with its YOKOHAMA brand tyres.

Franciscus Van Meel, CEO, BMW M GmbH, said, “We are excited to welcome YOKOHAMA as Official Partner of BMW M Motorsport for our Nürburgring programme. YOKOHAMA’s technical expertise and motorsport passion strengthen our drive for maximum performance and precision. Their support allows our team to focus fully on what defines BMW M Motorsport: pushing the limits on every lap. We look forward to a strong endurance season.”

Team: Schubert Motorsport
Class: SP9
Car: BMW M4 GT3 EVO
Tyres:
ADVAN A005 (for dry conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 330/710R18
ADVAN A006 (for wet conditions); Sizes: front 300/680R18, rear 320/710R18

Race Schedule (as of date of this release)
March 14 (Sat): NLS Round 1
March 21 (Sat): NLS Round 2
April 11 (Sat): NLS Round 3
April 18 (Sat) –19 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (Qualifiers) , NLS Rounds 4 & 5
May 14 (Thu) –17 (Sun): Nürburgring 24-Hour Race
June 20 (Sat): NLS Round 6
August 1 (Sat): NLS Round 7
September 12 (Sat) –13 (Sun): NLS Rounds 8 & 9
October 10 (Sat): NLS Round 10

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Hankook Tire has introduced the Laufenn X FIT AT2, a new addition to its all-terrain tyre lineup aimed at drivers who require durability and adaptability without compromising on everyday driving comfort. Positioned as an affordable option, this tyre is engineered to handle a mix of on-road and off-road conditions while delivering long-lasting value.

Building upon the foundation of its predecessor, the X FIT AT2 brings several performance upgrades. It features enhanced traction across varied landscapes, a 15 percent improvement in tread longevity and reliable handling in different weather conditions. The tyre is designed to fit a broad spectrum of light trucks and SUVs, with availability ranging from 15 to 22 inches to accommodate popular vehicle models in the market.

This launch reflects Laufenn’s ongoing strategy to diversify its offerings as it strengthens its presence in over 100 countries. Since its introduction in Europe, the brand has consistently expanded its range for both passenger vehicles and commercial applications, responding to shifting consumer needs. The X FIT AT2 reinforces this direction by providing a balance of rugged capability and composed road manners for those who frequently transition between highways and rougher terrain.

Engineered for resilience, the tyre incorporates a reinforced structure, including select sizes with three-ply sidewalls to resist cuts and impacts. Its tread design features directional and lateral grooves that enhance water dispersion and grip on slippery or loose surfaces. Additional protective elements such as offset shoulder blocks and rim guards help shield against debris and curb damage. A two-step deep sipe pattern promotes uniform wear, contributing to extended usability.

Certified with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, the X FIT AT2 offers dependable performance in dry, wet and snowy winter conditions. It comes with warranty coverage tailored to its sizing, offering 60,000 miles for P-metric versions and 50,000 miles for LT-metric options. With this release, Laufenn continues to round out its portfolio alongside existing lines such as the S FIT, G FIT and I FIT series.

KC Jensen, Vice President – U.S. Passenger Car and Light Truck Sales, Hankook Tire America Corp, said, “The X FIT AT2 represents the next step forward for the Laufenn brand as we continue to deliver practical, dependable solutions for everyday drivers who also want the freedom to explore off-road. Building on the success of the original X FIT AT, this second-generation tyre offers a stronger blend of durability, versatility and everyday comfort at an accessible value.”

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Comerio Ercole is set to make a significant impact on the global stage in 2026 with its participation in two major industry exhibitions. The company will showcase its latest advancements at both Chinaplas 2026 and Tire Technology Expo 2026, highlighting a comprehensive portfolio designed to enhance precision, productivity and sustainability in polymer processing.

At Tire Technology Expo, Comerio Ercole will present integrated systems tailored for the tyre industry, focusing on high-performance rubber calendering and digital intelligence. A flagship solution is the TRIPLE 4-roll calendering unit. Its innovative "S" configuration provides remarkable flexibility by enabling the processing of both textile and steel cord, as well as the production of rubber sheeting, all within a single line. The system’s capability for simultaneous lamination ensures high precision and product stability while minimising defects. Downtime is a critical factor in tyre production, and the patented FASTEEL system directly addresses this. By automating the steel cord change process, it dramatically reduces changeover time from hours to minutes, allowing the line to continue running during preparation and thereby maximising plant availability and operator safety. Following the calendering process, the SUPERCUT system guarantees clean, precise transversal cuts for both steel and textile-reinforced rubber, integrating guillotine and high-speed rotary blades to minimise waste and streamline downstream winding.

Simultaneously, at Chinaplas 2026, taking place in Hall 2.1 at Stand C85, the company will place a strong emphasis on its patented HYDROPLUS concept for PVC and plastic calendering. This technology suite is engineered to deliver micrometric precision and robust process stability through advanced hydraulic controls. Central to this is HYDROGAP, a system that achieves exceptional thickness uniformity with high-resolution gap positioning. Complementing this are HYDROSAFE, which ensures rapid roll separation for ultimate protection, and HYDROTHERM, a feature that intelligently compensates for thermal expansion to maintain precise gap settings during fluctuating operational temperatures.

Beyond mechanical innovation, the company is driving digital transformation with its CELEMETRY and MINERV-AI platforms. CELEMETRY focuses on sustainability by converting production data into actionable insights for environmental reporting and energy optimisation. MINERV-AI captures and standardises operational expertise through artificial intelligence, supporting more effective maintenance protocols, training procedures and overall operational consistency. Through these combined efforts at both exhibitions, Comerio Ercole is demonstrating a holistic approach to advancing the plastics, rubber and tyre industries.

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