SUPER FORMULA SUPPLIER YOKOHAMA TO PRODUCE SUSTAINABLE TYRES FOR 2023
Yokohama will develop sustainable tyres for Japan’s Super Formula single-seater championship from 2023. The control tyre supplier to Super Formula since 2016, Yokohama will begin development work on the new tyres as part of the championship’s Next50 project to improve its carbon footprint – with carbon-neutral fuel due to be tested this year in a mule car.
In a statement, Yokohama explained that it “plans to use various naturally derived compounding agents, such as silica produced from rice husks, oil from oil palm fruit nuts, and orange peels”, while also incorporating rubber recycled from scrap tyres. The development tyres will be tested before and after all seven rounds on the 2022 Super Formula calendar, with the 2023 specification set to be finalised by the end of the year.
Beyond 2023, Yokohama will continue development on its sustainable tyres, with the stated aim of its 2025 product containing “a sustainable material content ratio of 35% or more without any sacrifice in sports performance”.
Yoshihisa Ueno, president of Super Formula organiser JRP, expressed hope that the new tyres “will be a big step forward” both for the future of motorsport and the automotive industry. “From a promoter’s perspective, we also strive to increase both the overall image and value of Super Formula,” he added.