PARIS — The Federation International de l'Automobile (FIA) has renewed Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s race tire supply contract with the FIA World Rallycross and European Rallycross championships for the coming three seasons.
Cooper, which has serviced the international series since 2014, will supply the World Rallycross Championship's renamed RX1 premier class, along with a new all-electric RX2e class, along with RX1 and RX3 fields in the European Rallycross Championship.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Gyarfas Olah, president of the FIA's Off-Road Commission, complimented Cooper for having supplied products that offer "outstanding performance and durability," and said Cooper will be a "great partner to accompany us in the electric switch of the category."
James Weekley, general manager, Motorsport, Cooper Tire Europe, said extending the relationship with the rallycross championships is a "fantastic way for Cooper Tire Europe and our motorsport department to enter 2021. We cannot wait to go racing again and look forward to playing a key role in the development of the sport's new electric era."
Rallycross is a form of circuit racing on a track with mixed surfaces, usually asphalt and gravel or sealed/unsealed surfaces. The 2021 season is scheduled to have seven race weekends in seven European nations, starting June 12-13 in Hell, Norway, and wrapping up Oct. 9-10 in Spa, Belgium. There are RX2e events slated for six of the seven weekends.
There are six two-driver teams registered for the 2021 season.
Cooper will supply both dry and wet weather tires in three 17-inch rim diameter sizes for all of the categories mentioned. Cooper produces race tires at its European headquarters factory in Melksham, England.
In addition to the FIA World Rallycross and European Rallycross championships, Cooper supplies RallyX Nordic, Rallycross on Ice and the Motorsport UK British Rallycross Championship 5 Nations Trophy.