(Image: Goodyear)
The British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) heads to Silverstone’s fast-paced National Circuit this weekend for rounds 25–27, where Goodyear tyre strategy will be crucial. Drivers will receive one set of soft compound (white-stickered) and two sets of medium compound (yellow-stickered) tyres, with the added flexibility of using up to three carryover sets from previous rounds. Silverstone’s predominantly right-hand corners and rapid layout demand specialised car setups to maximise tyre performance.
Qualifying will be key, especially in the penultimate round of the season, where the fight for the Goodyear Wingfoot Award intensifies. Tom Ingram, who has led the Wingfoot standings since June, aims to defend his 14-point lead over Dan Cammish. The award, given for the best qualifying performance across the season, remains within reach for several drivers. Tom Chilton, who claimed pole at Donington Park, will also look to use tyre strategy to gain an edge.
Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC Event Leader, explains the weekend’s strategic elements: “Silverstone presents one of our most fascinating technical challenges of the season. The circuit’s right-hand bias means teams must optimise their Goodyear tyres for sustained lateral loading, particularly through the rapid section from Woodcote, through Copse, Maggotts and onto the Wellington Straight. The short lap time intensifies everything, so race strategies become even more critical.
“The carryover tyre freedom adds another compelling strategic dimension. Teams can select from their accumulated compound inventory and deploy these tactically in qualifying. With Silverstone notorious for producing some of the closest racing of the season, every marginal gain from tyre strategy could prove decisive.”
Árón Taylor-Smith (Toyota Gazoo Racing UK) told Goodyear that Silverstone requires a unique setup philosophy: “You only set the car up to turn right because there’s only one left hander. You’ll have loads of negative camber on the outside left for mid-corner grip, but the inside right will be stood upright for traction and braking. The setup is really different compared to any other track.”
Silverstone’s intensity means tyre performance comes to the fore, Taylor-Smith added, due to the “frantic” racing promoted by the circuit. “You’re always nose to tail because the simplicity of the track makes the racecraft that little bit more exciting. The racecraft is what makes or breaks you, and makes you win or lose.”
(Photo: Goodyear)
