IndyCar announces tire rule changes for Indy GP

The IndyCar Series will introduce a new tire rule for the upcoming Sonsio Grand Prix held on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.

As revealed by RACER earlier this week, a change in tire usage was being considered for the Indy GP where the two-lap minimum use of Firestone’s primary compound and alternate compound would be doubled — with drivers required to use primaries and alternates twice for at least two laps — and it’s become formal, with the series carrying the rule forward into the May 10 race.

According to the series, “There are no requirements in terms of new (sticker) sets of tires used in the race. The two completed laps needed to satisfy the tire requirement rule, where one (1) lap must begin once the Green Flag has been displayed to the Race Leader (Rule 15.3.3.2.3.) for each of the four sets (Rule 15.3.3.2.) remains in effect.

“The update strives to ensure an all-out, driving on the limit, thrilling and entertaining product for fans and generate even more strategic challenges for North America’s premier open-wheel racing series. Additionally — working with Firestone — the current, standard event weekend road and street circuit tire allocation that began this season (five sets of primaries and five sets of alternates) was contemplated with this tire requirement format option in mind. The tire allocation for the IMS road course, the only two-day road and street circuit event on the 2025 schedule, remains unchanged at five sets of primaries and four sets of alternates.”

An informal poll among team owners when the concept was originally floated prior to the season said 70 percent were against the double-use rule.

“IndyCar is continually looking into ways to improve an already extraordinary on-track product,” said IndyCar president Doug Boles. “Firestone is a terrific partner, and their higher-degradation alternate tire has given strategists plenty to think about on road and street circuits this year. We expect this update will challenge teams and drivers even more.”