Option tyre return to add new strategy element

Goodyear will reintroduce an ‘Option’ slick tyre at the second round of the British Touring Car Championship at Brands Hatch this weekend in a move that is set to provide a new strategic element to the racing.

The option tyre hasn’t been used for a number of years, initially for cost reasons following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and then following the introduction of the new hybrid technology last season.

With teams having voted to bring the option tyre back this season, Brands Hatch will be the first event where drivers have been given a choice on race day – with the medium tyre being used twice and the soft compound needing to be run on one occasion.

Drivers will only decide when to run each tyre ahead of each race and do not need to nominate in advance.

“It will be excellent to see how the different tyre strategies play out throughout a weekend,” Goodyear’s Michael Butler said. “It’s the first time since 2019 the soft tyre will be used, which adds another layer of strategy to the championship and is great for fans and spectators. With the support of drivers and teams, we have reintroduced a second compound at the majority of races.

“We expect to see a notable advantage for ‘Option’ tyre runners at the beginning of a race, but that will likely see the medium compound come into play as the race progresses. Drivers will have to think strategically to use the increased performance when it matters.”