The famous Dunlop Bridge at the Circuit de la Sarthe, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit for over a century, will be no more.
As part of a series of transformative developments announced today by the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) and Goodyear, a new spectator bridge will be built on the site of the previous Dunlop Bridge, carrying Goodyear branding.
Ahead of the 94th annual edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ACO and Goodyear also announced a wholesale renovation of the existing Goodyear Racing Club at the end of the pit straight, and the Goodyear Grandstand which stands adjacent to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum will also be renovated.
This landmark change follows the January 2025 sale of the Dunlop brand in Europe, North America and Oceania from Goodyear to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which effectively reunited the Dunlop brand as a global rights entity.
Dunlop tyres in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s LMP2 category were rebranded as Goodyear tyres for the 2019-20 season, and the following year, Goodyear won the contract to become the sole supplier of LMP2 tyres in both the WEC and European Le Mans Series. Goodyear also became the sole tyre supplier to the LMGT3 category in WEC and ELMS from the inception of the category in 2024.
To honour the legacy of the Dunlop Bridge, which has been present in some form at every edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since the inaugural running in 1923, the ACO and Goodyear announced that it will donate a ‘heritage collection’ of Dunlop Bridge memorabilia to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, preserving its historic significance for future generations.
“Le Mans is more than a race – it’s a global celebration of motorsport heritage and innovation,” said Stéphane Andriolo, Head of Clients and Events for the ACO. “With these new developments, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for fans and participants alike. The partnership with Goodyear allows us to honor the past while embracing the future of endurance racing.”
Xavier Fraipont, Goodyear Vice President of Global Racing, added: “Le Mans is the highlight of the endurance racing calendar and a cornerstone of Goodyear’s racing legacy. As we celebrate 45 years of the Eagle brand and 60 years since our first Le Mans win, we’re proud to deepen our partnership with the ACO. The enhanced brand presence at the circuit reflects our future-focused strategy and our passion for innovation in racing.”
Images © David Lord / dailysportscar.com, ACO