Quick look
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The rebranding of the iconic bridge will take place in 2026, with a new bridge to be built on the same structure over the Dunlop Curve.
- The change follows Goodyear’s sale of the Dunlop brand rights (in Europe and North America) to Sumitomo Rubber Industries.
Racing fans around the world will know from the picture where the track is. For almost 100 years, the Dunlop Bridge at the Le Mans circuit in France has appeared in countless pictures of the classic 24-hour endurance event. Like the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House, the bridge designed like part of a tyre is one of the world’s most recognizable structures.
The bridge has been in existence since the Le Mans race first began in 1923 at what is officially known as the Circuit de la Sarthe, although it is believed that Dunlop branding and the bridge design appeared in 1932 over the spot known as the Dunlop Curve.
In 2026, Dunlop will no longer be the name on the bridge and will be replaced by a brand from another equally famous tyre company – Goodyear. The American tyre brand also has a long history of being associated with racing cars at Le Mans, with 14 overall victories since 1965.
Renovations at Le Mans
According to Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Goodyear will take over branding of the bridge as part of a number of updates at the circuit in 2026. A new bridge will be built on the structure of the current Dunlop Bridge, and the Goodyear Racing Club and Goodyear Grandstand will be renovated as well.
This follows Goodyear’s announcement of a strengthened Global Racing organization and a renewed focus on endurance racing as a core platform for technology development.
Recognising the historical significance of the Dunlop Bridge and to honour its legacy, the ACO and Goodyear will donate a heritage collection of Dunlop Bridge memorabilia to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, to be preserved for future generations.
Dunlop brand has dfferent owners
The ownership and management of the Dunlop brand is quite complicated as, after 1985, Dunlop was acquired in different ways by various companies operating in different markets. Sumitomo has been a major owner of the brand and in 1999, Sumitomo and Goodyear began a joint venture by which Sumitomo continued to manufacture all Japanese-made tyres under the Dunlop name, while Goodyear bought 75% of the European and North American tyre businesses of Sumitomo.
However, in January 2025, Goodyear sold the Dunlop tyre brand in Europe, North America, and Oceania to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, with the transfer being completed in May. “The sale of the Dunlop brand is another action that advances Goodyear Forward by optimizing our portfolio, reducing leverage and sharpening our focus on our core portfolio of brands,” said Goodyear CEO & President, Mark Stewart. “Goodyear is making significant progress, transforming our operations and growing in our targeted segments, and I am confident in our ability to continue delivering on our objectives.”
