Bridgestone’s dominance in the Endurance World Championship (EWC) has sparked discussions and raised eyebrows, particularly due to the exclusive provision of «special» factory tyres to a select few teams. This exclusivity has led to a significant performance gap between teams equipped with these specialized Bridgestone tyres and those using commercially available Bridgestone products or other brands.
The Exclusive Edge: Bridgestone’s Special Tyres
In the fiercely competitive arena of EWC, tyre performance can be the difference between victory and defeat. Bridgestone, a key player in the tyre industry, has developed special factory tyres that are allocated to specific teams, notably enhancing their performance on the track. This advantage is evident in the results of major EWC events across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, where teams like FCC Honda, YART, and SERT consistently secured top positions with Bridgestone’s special tyres.
The Impact of Tyre Exclusivity
The disparity in tyre performance became glaringly apparent with the case of Webike Kawasaki. Starting the 2022 season on Bridgestone’s commercially available tyres, they found themselves an alarming 3 seconds off the pace. Their situation did not improve as they were neither able to obtain the special Bridgestone tyres nor close the performance gap, ultimately leading them to switch to Dunlop tyres.
EWC 2022 and 2023: A Tale of Bridgestone’s Dominance
Analyzing the results from EWC 2022 and 2023, Bridgestone-equipped teams frequently occupied the podium across various circuits, from Le Mans to Suzuka. However, it’s noteworthy that when technical issues or crashes occurred, it opened the door for teams on Dunlop or Pirelli tyres to clinch top spots, as seen at Spa 2022 and Bol d’Or in both seasons.
Rider Performance: A Reflection of Tyre Advantage
The impact of Bridgestone’s special tyres is further highlighted in individual rider performances. Comparing lap times of riders like Gino Rea and Dan Linfoot on different tyre brands showcases significant differences, underscoring the advantage Bridgestone’s special tyres provide.
Conclusion: The Quest for Tyre Equality
Bridgestone’s special tyres have undeniably set a high benchmark in EWC, contributing to the success of the privileged teams that have access to them. This situation raises questions about fairness and competition integrity, prompting calls from teams, riders, and fans alike for more equitable tyre access. As the EWC continues to evolve, the balancing act between technological advancement and competitive fairness remains a pivotal challenge for the championship’s stakeholders.