The SUPER GT series will feature Bridgestone and Dunlop as its official tyre suppliers starting in the 2027 season, according to an official announcement by the GT Association (GTA). The tyre supply shift marks a structural change for Japan’s premier sports car racing championship, altering the competitive landscape for both GT500 and GT300 classes as current multi-manufacturer tyre competition transitions to a designated supplier model.
SUPER GT 2027 Tyre Supplier Agreement and Structural Changes
According to the GT Association, the upcoming supplier framework is designed to control escalating development costs while maintaining high-level racing standards across the championship. The agreement names Bridgestone Corporation and Dunlop (Sumitomo Rubber Industries) as the exclusive tyre providers under the new regulations taking effect in 2027. The transition phases out the open tyre war model that has historically allowed multiple manufacturers to compete directly within the series, a staple of SUPER GT technical regulations for decades.
Industry analysts note that tyre development costs have risen sharply in recent years as manufacturers chase incremental performance gains in both the premier GT500 class and the heavily subscribed GT300 division. By consolidating supply around Bridgestone and Dunlop, series organizers aim to stabilize team budgets and level the playing field. The GTA confirmed that detailed technical specifications and testing schedules for the 2027 compounds will be released in subsequent sporting regulations updates.
Impact on GT500 and GT300 Competitors
Teams across the SUPER GT paddock must evaluate their technical partnerships ahead of the 2027 transition. Historically, tyre choice has served as a primary performance differentiator, particularly during changing weather conditions and endurance rounds such as the Suzuka 450km. Major manufacturers fielding GT500 machines—including Honda (HRC), Toyota (TGR), and Nissan—will coordinate closely with their assigned suppliers to adapt vehicle setups for the new specification rubber.
For the diverse GT300 class, which features FIA GT3 machinery alongside unique Japanese-built Mother Chassis and JAF-GT cars, the change standardizes rubber options across a grid that previously accommodated up to four different tyre brands. Teams running in GT300 will transition to the standardized Bridgestone or Dunlop allocations, ensuring equal access to technical support and compound consistency throughout the 8-round championship calendar.
Future Outlook for SUPER GT Technical Regulations
The 2027 tyre supplier alignment coincides with broader technical evaluations within global motorsport regarding sustainability and cost containment. Both Bridgestone and Dunlop are expected to incorporate sustainable materials into their racing tyres as part of the new supply agreement, aligning with the GTA’s broader environmental initiatives. Series organizers will oversee initial prototype testing sessions throughout the 2026 season to validate durability and performance metrics before the regulations officially take effect.
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