Goodyear Replaces Dunlop on Legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Footbridge

A new chapter begins at the Circuit de la Sarthe as the iconic Dunlop footbridge at the 24 Hours of Le Mans adopts a fresh identity. On February 10, 2026, the familiar yellow Dunlop logo was replaced by the Goodyear emblem, signaling a major shift in the history of the legendary endurance race. This change follows the acquisition of the British tire brand by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Group and marks a significant moment for motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.

Fans now face the task of adjusting to a familiar landmark with a new name, ahead of the 2026 race scheduled for June 10 to 14. The Dunlop footbridge, a fixture above the Circuit de la Sarthe since the inaugural 1923 race, now bears the Goodyear logo in striking yellow letters. For decades, this structure has symbolized the endurance and heritage of the legendary event, making its rebranding a notable moment in motorsport history.

The change comes after the British tire brand Dunlop was sold to the Sumitomo Rubber

Industries Group in a strategic transaction valued at $701 million (€680 million). Following the announcement in December 2025, preparations began to update the bridge. From February 9 to 10, 2026, teams from the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) repainted the structure, replacing the familiar Dunlop logo with Goodyear’s iconic branding. Fans had a glimpse of the covered bridge during the interim, sparking discussions and reactions across social media and motorsport communities.

The renaming of the footbridge was met with mixed reactions from motorsport enthusiasts.

Many long-time fans expressed nostalgia for the Dunlop legacy, sharing memories and photos from past races on social media. Some were hesitant about the change, questioning how a new brand could fit into the historical landscape of Le Mans. Despite these reactions, the transition reflects broader shifts in the tire industry and the evolving partnerships within endurance racing.

With the Goodyear logo now firmly in place, the Circuit de la Sarthe prepares for the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans, scheduled for June 10 to 14, 2026. Enthusiasts and competitors alike will encounter the updated footbridge, a symbol of both continuity and change. While the landmark’s appearance may have evolved, its role as a central part of the race experience remains unchanged, bridging the past and the present for one of motorsport’s most celebrated events.