From rock crawling to 24-hour endurance stints, when it comes to tyre development, innovation (and inspiration) are often born in the most unlikely places. But how can this racing-inspired tech enhance your next set of Yokohama rubber?
Whether it’s in business, technology, or even nature, competition is a potent catalyst for progress. And when it comes to tyres, Yokohama was quick to harness this potential. With its first foray into motorsport dating back to the early 1960s, the Japanese powerhouse benefits from over six decades of racing experience.
Formula 3, Touring Car, Global Rally Cross, Pikes Peak, Endurance Racing — Yokohama tyres have featured (and won) in nearly every theatre of motorsport from sand to snow and beyond. But how does this success on track benefit the average consumer? Well, to explain how the firm’s storied racing heritage translates to the continued evolution of its road-going range, we spoke with Yokohama’s Motorsport Manager, Simon Clarke.
Offering an exclusive insight into the link between road and racing tyres, Clarke explains how Yokohama’s motorsport ventures continue to drive advancements in tyre performance, and spawn exiting new sustainable technologies.
Q. So, how does Yokohama’s involvement in motorsport influence its road-going tyre range?
A. “Motorsport is vitally important to Yokohama in the development of new tyre technologies. These new technologies tested in the motorsport arena ensure that future road tyres will benefit from the same level of precision and cutting-edge development. These challenging environments can be used to check the performance of tyres for consumer use.”
Hero image credit: Yokohama