ZC Rubber has announced the extension and expansion of its successful partnership with the Red Bull Driftbrothers. Through this collaboration, the Chinese tyre manufacturer, under its Westlake Performance Tyres brand, serves as the official tyre and equipment partner for the renowned German motorsport team. The partnership primarily focuses on equipping the team’s fleet of BMW vehicles used in competitions, show drifts and exhibitions. This fleet now features a newly constructed BMW M2 built for the 2026 season, alongside two 1,000-horsepower BMW M4 models and a classic BMW E30 used as a show car.

Beyond vehicle supply, the partnership is deeply rooted in joint technological development. Engineers, drivers and team members from both ZC Rubber and the Red Bull Driftbrothers work closely to enhance tyre performance. Their collaborative efforts have led to the latest innovation, the improved Westlake Sport RS2. This next-generation high-performance competition tyre offers precise handling, maximum stability and consistently high-level performance across all temperatures and throughout the entire tread depth. Enthusiasts and end customers can also look forward to this product, as it will be available through ZC Rubber’s retail partners.

The 2026 season promises an extensive programme for the Red Bull Driftbrothers, featuring selected rounds of the Drift Masters European Championship and a spectacular show as part of the supporting programme at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring in May. Further joint appearances are planned at major industry events, including The Tire Cologne in June and the Essen Motor Show in late November, where both partners will showcase their ongoing collaboration and innovations.

Jeffrey Zhang, General Manager – International Business Department, Zhongce Rubber Group, said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Red Bull Driftbrothers. The experience of Elias and the constructive exchange with his team are extremely valuable for technology and the performance of our products. This is demonstrated very clearly in the development of the Westlake Sport RS2. The demanding drift sport is also an excellent platform for illustrating the performance of our tyres. We look forward to the joint events, where we intend to activate our partnership for the European market.”

Elias Hountondji, driver and engineer of the Red Bull Driftbrothers, said, “Having a reliable and high-performance tyre partner is enormously important in our sport. With ZC Rubber, we have had such a partner at our side since last year and are very pleased to continue the cooperation. Together, we have further optimised the rubber compound of the Westlake Sport RS2. The result is a high-performance tyre that we can rely on one hundred percent, even under extreme loads, to ensure that the level of grip does not drop. The fact that the tyre will soon also be available to customers makes us even more delighted.”

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Pirelli has confirmed that its three softest tyre compounds will be in action for the upcoming Sprint race weekends in Miami and Montreal. For both circuits, the C3, C4 and C5 specifications will serve as the Hard, Medium and Soft options, respectively, marking a clear choice towards maximum grip on these particular tracks.

The Miami Grand Prix, scheduled for the first weekend of May, will take place after a month‑long hiatus caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds. The circuit, built around the home stadium of the Miami Dolphins, features exceptionally smooth asphalt, which permits the use of Formula 1’s softest compounds. Thermal degradation is the main concern given Florida’s high temperatures, yet last year’s race showed limited tyre wear even with nominally identical compounds. This allowed drivers to push aggressively during the early laps, leading to numerous close battles on track.

In Canada later that month, Pirelli will again bring the softest selection because the Montreal surface is not very abrasive and extra grip is needed in heavy braking zones. Last season, when the range extended up to a C6 tyre, the trio including that option was used, though the soft compound itself played a minor role in race strategies as most teams preferred two‑stop plans relying solely on Hard and Medium tyres. Unlike Miami, the Canadian round introduces an unpredictable weather factor, especially given its earlier position on the calendar.

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Bekaert expects market conditions to remain mixed into 2026, with subdued demand across construction, hydrogen, and some industrial segments, along with ongoing uncertainty about global trade policies and tariffs. However, strong order books in energy and utilities, especially in Europe and North America, and stable demand in selected automotive segments in China should help offset weaker end markets.

Management indicated that structural cost improvements and focus on cash generation position Bekaert to improve margins as volumes recover. The company will prioritise growth through innovation, acquisitions, and further optimisation toward higher-margin activities.

Bekaert reported resilient 2025 results driven by cost controls, portfolio restructuring, and strong cash generation, despite weaker end markets.

The group posted consolidated sales of €3.7bn for the year, down 6% on a reported basis, reflecting currency effects, lower pass-through of input costs, and the disposal of lower-margin businesses. Underlying earnings before interest and tax were €297m, with a margin of 8.0%, compared with 8.8% a year earlier.

Profitability was supported by structural cost reductions and operational efficiencies, including a €40m cut in overheads and €39m in production savings. However, the company booked €162m in one-off restructuring and impairment charges as it adjusted its footprint to weaker demand.

Cash generation remained a highlight, with free cash flow rising 63% to €314m. Net debt fell to €180m, leaving leverage at 0.4 times EBITDA, reflecting a stronger balance sheet and disciplined capital management.

Investment and capital allocation

Bekaert continued to deploy capital selectively to support growth and efficiency. Capital expenditure included investments to expand capacity in high-demand segments such as energy and utilities, especially in North America, as well as equipment upgrades across its global footprint.

R&D investment totaled €69m in 2025, targeting sustainable construction, energy transition, and advanced materials to back the innovation agenda.

Alongside organic investment, acquisitions remained central to strategy. The company acquired Twincon and Flexofibers to strengthen its position in sustainable construction, and announced in early 2026 an agreement to acquire two tyre cord plants from Bridgestone.

Portfolio restructuring and expansion

Bekaert accelerated its shift to higher-margin and growth markets by exiting commoditised businesses in Latin America, cutting the region’s sales share to about 4% from 18% in 2022.

At the same time, the company expanded into targeted segments, including sustainable construction, lifting and mooring, and energy transition. Strategic partnerships and innovation initiatives—including developments in hydrogen, low-carbon construction materials and advanced rope technologies—continue to underpin this repositioning.

Geographically, the group maintained a broad global footprint, with demand growth strongest in China and North America, particularly in energy infrastructure and automotive applications.

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Bulloch County, Georgia, is testing an innovative road foundation method that extends pavement life, lowers upkeep costs and reuses large volumes of scrap tyres. This pilot project is upgrading one of the county’s busiest dirt roads, Five Chop Road near Statesboro, with support from a state environmental grant.

The county partnered with Liberty Tire Recycling and Century Road Solutions to install mechanical concrete on a 0.58-mile (approximately 0.93 km) stretch. Funding comes from a USD 250,000 Tire Products Grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Mechanical concrete locks stone gravel into place using recycled tyre components. Scrap tyres are processed into honeycomb-like structures, laid along the roadbed and filled with aggregate, preventing shifting, erosion and potholes.

The surface remains flat with minimal upkeep. The technology has over 15 years of proven use on industrial and mining roads without follow up repairs. An estimated 200,000 recycled tyres have been reused in Georgia through this process. Reduced grading and resurfacing needs lower long-term costs. Bulloch County estimates paving one mile (approximately 1.61 km) of asphalt costs USD 1 million, whereas mechanical concrete can improve nearly two miles (approximately 3.22 km) for the same price.

County leaders will monitor durability before expanding use. A partnership with Georgia Southern University’s asphalt programme is being explored to independently study long-term performance. With 638 miles (approximately 1026.76 km) of dirt roads countywide, even modest maintenance savings would be substantial. If the technology proves effective, it will continue.

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Hankook Tyre Australia successfully participated as the official tyre supplier for the 2026 Bathurst 6 Hour, held from 3 to 5 April at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit. This role reinforced the company’s dedication to advanced tyre technology and high-performance motorsport. The primary endurance race took place on 5 April, lasting six demanding hours.

To support the event, Hankook Tyre Australia deployed its sophisticated motorsport tyre technology, specifically the Ventus TD semi-slick competition tyre. Engineered for rigorous track driving, this tyre provides exceptional dry grip, steady handling and improved longevity over long race stints. Its design focuses on durability, heat management and even load distribution for consistent wear.

The 2026 edition marked the 10th running of the Bathurst 6 Hour, featuring 69 cars across various classes. The challenging 6.2-kilometre Mount Panorama Circuit, with its high-speed sections, technical turns and steep elevation changes, solidified this event as Australia’s top production car endurance race.

The race itself was highly competitive and fluid, featuring numerous lead changes and tactical battles throughout the six hours. Victory went to Supercars driver Thomas Randle alongside Ben and Michael Kavich after a tight contest resolved only in the closing laps. In this demanding environment, the Ventus TD proved critical, offering stable grip and predictable handling over long stints to optimise race strategy, while its compound and tread design minimised wear and supported balanced load distribution under varying track conditions.

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