IndyCar and Firestone have announced significant changes to their tire allocation strategy for the 2025 season at road and street courses. The new system provides teams with an equal distribution of five sets each of primary and alternate tires, compared to the previous allocation of four alternate and six primary sets.

Key changes include:

• Equal distribution: 5 sets of primary and 5 sets of alternate tires
• Wider performance gap between primary and alternate compounds
• Exceptions remain for The Thermal Club and Indianapolis road course events
• Rookies continue to receive an additional set of primary tires
• Teams can still use alternate tires during opening practice sessions

The modification aims to level the playing field, particularly benefiting drivers who qualify in positions 11-12 during Fast 12 sessions. According to driver Colton Herta, this change helps reduce the disadvantage these positions previously faced when managing tire strategies throughout race weekends.

The Indianapolis road course event will maintain its previous allocation (4 alternate, 6 primary sets) due to its condensed two-day schedule. The Thermal Club's high-wear surface also keeps its unique tire distribution focusing on primary tires.

Related Articles

Previous Articles