The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has confirmed it will extend its partnership with Germany's Haupt Racing Team (HRT) and Ford Racing for a third consecutive year, as the trio target further success at the 2026 Nürburgring 24-Hour Race (ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring) and the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
The renewed agreement builds upon a highly successful 2025 campaign, during which the partnership achieved significant milestones at one of motorsport's most demanding venues. The Ford Mustang GT3, running on Yokohama's ADVAN racing tyres, secured victory in the SP9 PRO-AM class at this year's Nürburgring 24-Hour Race and claimed overall honours at Round 8 of the NLS – marking Ford's first NLS victory in a decade.
These achievements demonstrated the exceptional handling performance and reliability of Yokohama's ADVAN racing tyres under the gruelling conditions of the Nordschleife, widely regarded as one of the world's most challenging racing circuits. The success has prompted both parties to strengthen their collaboration for the 2026 season and beyond.
Yokohama Rubber first joined forces with HRT in 2024, with Ford Racing's support being added for the 2025 season. Despite being founded only in 2020, HRT has rapidly established itself as a formidable competitor in international GT3 racing, earning respect for its technical expertise and organisational capabilities across multiple championships, including the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), NLS, and the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer brings considerable Nürburgring pedigree to the partnership. Over the years, Yokohama has supported numerous teams at the iconic 24-hour race, with cars equipped with YOKOHAMA tyres having claimed three overall victories. The brand has also enjoyed sustained success in the NLS, including capturing both the NLS Speed Trophy and NIMEX Team Trophy in the top-tier SP9 Pro class during the 2023 season.
Yokohama Rubber's continued involvement in high-profile endurance racing aligns with the consumer tyre strategy outlined in its three-year medium-term management plan, Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026). The plan prioritises maximising sales of high-value-added products by expanding its global flagship ADVAN brand, the GEOLANDAR range for SUVs and pickup trucks, winter tyres, and 18-inch-plus fitments.
Motorsport participation is positioned as a crucial element in strengthening the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands, with the company maintaining a diverse programme spanning top-category championships to grassroots events worldwide. The Nürburgring serves as a particularly valuable proving ground, where the world's leading tyre manufacturers compete to demonstrate their products' performance under the most demanding conditions.
Updates on the partnership's progress, along with race results, will be available on YOKOHAMA's dedicated motorsports website and official social media channels throughout the season.
Tagged with :Yokohama Rubber, ADVAN racing tyres, Nürburgring 24 Hours, NLS, Haupt Racing Team, Ford Mustang GT3, motorsport tyre development, Nordschleife endurance, YX2026 plan, GT3 tyres
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