Time flies faster than a racing car on the Le Mans circuit! A symbol of automotive history, the Dunlop bridge will give way to a new era. Not only is it changing its name, but it is also part of a vast renovation project that promises to redefine the spectator experience during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A monument that has left its mark
The Dunlop bridge, a true emblem of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is set to undergo a major transformation. Located at the top of the eponymous chicane, it has allowed spectators for a century to move from the paddock to the outer perimeter while offering an unobstructed view of one of the greatest endurance races in the world. This iconic structure will henceforth be renamed the Goodyear bridge, marking a turning point in the history of the circuit.
Ambitious works for a bright future
This initiative is part of a larger programme aimed at improving the welcome for spectators at the Bugatti circuit site. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) also announces the complete rehabilitation of the Goodyear Racing Club, located at the end of the pit straight, as well as the Goodyear grandstand. The latter is adjacent to the Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, currently undergoing expansion, with a reopening planned before the 2026 edition of the 24 Hours.
A tribute to memory
“In tribute to the history of the Dunlop bridge, the ACO and Goodyear will donate memorabilia to the Museum of the 24 Hours to preserve the memory of this mythical place,” said the organisers, likely aware that this announcement could elicit mixed reactions. “These modifications reflect the care taken by the ACO to uphold the race, the circuit, and its attributes, ensuring an evolution in line with its vision for the future of the discipline.”
The Dunlop bridge will soon be nothing more than a memory. With its new name, it will embody a link between the glorious past and the promising future of endurance racing.
The stakes of a strategic partnership
It is interesting to note that the British brand Dunlop, once part of the Goodyear group, was sold earlier this year to the Japanese group Sumitomo Rubber Industries. This change of ownership partly explains the American tyre giant’s desire to claim the bridge. Stéphane Andriolo, customer and events director at the ACO, believes that “the partnership with Goodyear allows us to honour the past while looking towards the future of endurance.”
Goodyear: a key player in automotive sports
The tyre manufacturer has recently developed a strategy focused on endurance and motorsport. The presence of the famous Goodyear blimp in the skies over Sarthe is a testament to this commitment. “Le Mans is the major event of the endurance season and the keystone of Goodyear’s heritage in motorsport,” highlights Xavier Fraipont, vice president of Global Racing at Goodyear. “On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Eagle range and the 60th anniversary of our first triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we are proud to forge even closer ties with the ACO. The increased presence of our brand on the circuit reflects our vision for the future and our passion for innovation in motorsport.”
A symbolic transition
The transformation of the Dunlop bridge into the Goodyear bridge represents much more than just a name change. It is a testament to the passing of the torch between two eras, while preserving the memory of the glorious moments experienced on this mythical circuit. Car enthusiasts, whether drivers or spectators, can expect an enriched experience during the upcoming editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In summary, this evolution is both a tribute to history and a look towards an ambitious future for motorsport. The renovation projects promise to bring a breath of fresh air to the circuit while honouring its prestigious heritage.
