The IndyCar series has announced a new multi-year contract extension with long-time tyre supplier Firestone.
The deal between IndyCar and Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC (BATO) means the Firestone brand continues to be the exclusive tyre supplier of the series.
Firestone has been the sole provider of tyres for IndyCar since 2000 and has a long history in American open-wheel racing, with Alexander Rossi’s 2016 Indianapolis 500 win being the tyre supplier’s 67th.
"Firestone is part of the fabric of IndyCar and its commitment to evolving performance, innovation and safety in the Verizon IndyCar Series has been remarkable," Jay Frye, IndyCar president of competition and operations, said.
"The Firestone brand has been part of our sport for more than 100 years and continues to be an integral partner in the growth of IndyCar on and off the racetrack."
A variety of changes have been introduced for the 2017 season when it comes to the Firestone tyres, with more sets being allocated per event.
One set of the alternative (red-sidewall) tyre now has to be used in Friday practice at all street and road courses.
The new IndyCar season kicks off on March 12 at St. Peterburg.
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