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Multinational tyre manufacturer Goodyear has expanded its partnership with Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organiser of the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race.
As a result of the extension, the manufacturer will continue to support the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual sim racing event.
Image credit: Le Mans Virtual
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As the exclusive tyre partner of the real-world World Endurance Championship (WEC), Goodyear has developed a virtual race tyre using data obtained from its products used in real-world motorsport.
Ben Crawley, Motorsport Director at Goodyear, spoke on the news in a release: “The Le Mans Virtual Series is a fascinating complement to the real race that carries the same spirit of endurance racing as seen in WEC and ELMS, so we are thrilled to be a part of it.”
“Esports is growing, the industry is booming, and the technology is incredible. Whether on the real race track or the virtual one, global motorsport events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans give Goodyear a platform to reach millions of fans around the world.”
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Goodyear is one of six partners supporting the 24-hour race taking place on January 15th-16th, joining the likes of sim racing peripherals manufacturer Thrustmaster and watch manufacturer Rolex. Amongst the competitors, 2021 Formula One World Champion Max Verstappen will be taking part in the event under the Team Redline banner.
“Le Mans Virtual Series doesn’t just offer fans something to fill their endurance racing fix over the off-season – far from it. With esports continuing to grow, it’s an important part of endurance racing and we want to be involved at a high level,” Crawley added.
Esports Insider says: With over 14m people tuning into the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual, it’s no surprise to see Goodyear extend its partnership with ACO. The event is the perfect opportunity for the tyre manufacturer to reach new audiences and utilise its real-world technology in sim racing.