End of an era as Le Mans’ Dunlop Bridge is set for…

A piece of history is about to become part of the past, with the iconic Dunlop Bridge at Circuit de la Sarthe set for a name change.

A visual symbol of the world's greatest endurance race, the Dunlop Bridge has long been a meeting point whose name resonates with everyone at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Located at the top of the chicane of the same name (whose identity may also evolve), it has allowed spectators for a century to cross the track from the paddock side to the outer perimeter. It is also adjacent to one of the circuit’s most sought-after viewpoints, the Goodyear grandstand, which was previously called the Dunlop grandstand.

The circle will soon be complete, as the bridge will be renovated and modernised while retaining the structure of the current one, before being renamed the Goodyear Bridge.

This operation is part of a series of works aimed at improving the spectator experience at the Bugatti Circuit site, as the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has also announced the complete renovation of the Goodyear Racing Club located at the end of the pit straight, as well as the Goodyear grandstand. The latter also borders the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum, which is currently undergoing major expansion works, with a reopening planned before the 2026 edition of Le Mans.

Dunlop Bridge (Photo by: JEP / Motorsport Images)

“In tribute to the history of the Dunlop bridge, the ACO and Goodyear will donate memorabilia to the 24 Hours Museum in order to preserve the memory of this mythical place,” the organisers promise, likely aware that the decision may ruffle a few feathers. “These changes reflect the care taken by the ACO to protect the race, the circuit and its attributes, while ensuring an evolution in line with its vision for the future of the discipline.”

While the British brand Dunlop was long part of the Goodyear group, it was sold to the Japanese group Sumitomo Rubber Industries at the beginning of the year, which explains the American tyre giant’s strong desire to take over the naming rights to the bridge.

Stephane Andriolo, ACO director of customer and events, believes that “the partnership with Goodyear allows us to honour the past while looking toward the future of endurance racing”.

It must be said that the tyre manufacturer has recently developed a strategy strongly focused on endurance racing and motorsport in general, having also brought the famous Goodyear Blimp back to the skies over La Sarthe in recent years.

“Le Mans is the flagship event of the endurance season and the keystone of Goodyear’s heritage in motor racing,” said Xavier Fraipont, vice president of global racing at Goodyear. “On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the Eagle range and the 60th anniversary of our first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, we are proud to forge even closer ties with the ACO. The strengthened presence of our brand on the circuit reflects our vision for the future and our passion for innovation in motor racing.”