Goodyear Eagle F1 – Asymmetric 3 replaces the A2

Not much fanfare surrounding it, but Goodyear has a new Eagle F1 ultra-high performance (UHP) tyre up and about – the Asymmetric 3 takes over from the Asymmetric 2, which was launched locally in 2011.

Not much change in the tread pattern design from the outgoing A2, at least not with a quick glance – there are some minor differences in the blocks, but nothing dramatic. Nonetheless, plenty of engineering has been accomplished underneath the vulcanised surface, resulting in a significant improvement in performance.

How significant? Well, in independent benchmark tests commissioned by Goodyear, the new Eagle F1 A3 managed to outdo three of its primary competitors in the UHP segment over a series of evaluations – the A3 had a 2.6 metre shorter braking distance (or nine percent better performance) on wet roads compared to the Michelin Pilot Sport 3, Bridgestone Potenza S001 and Continental Sport Contact 5.

The new Asymmetric 3 also offered a shorter braking distance on dry roads (by 1.3 metres, or four percent better performance) than its competitors. Elsewhere, the company said that the A3 demonstrated four percent better wet handling than the others, and it had the second best rolling resistance performance of all the tyre brands tested.

New design elements include active braking technology, which increases the contact surface and grip when braking, allowing for a shorter braking distance. Additionally, the tyre incorporates a new grip booster compound as well as an adhesive resin to offer increased grip during braking and handling. There’s also new reinforced construction technology, which allows for a lighter construction without sacrificing strength.

The company states that significant efforts went into optimising the tyre’s performancem, with more than 36,000 engineering hours going into the development process, including 3,800 on five test locations in five countries, covering a total of 330,000 km.

Goodyear says that its new Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 will be available in 41 sizes globally, with sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches. No news as to when the A3 will be available locally.

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