Goodyear rules the skies: the iconic brand's blimp is back

There is an image that always seems to accompany a motor race: Goodyear’s blimp. This airship floating above motorsport events bearing the logo of the well-known tyre brand has been absent from European skies for some time, but it is back to remind us that the brand remains active and has plenty to say at every race. Its easily recognisable oval shape has returned to leave its mark.

This summer the fourth of these airships was unveiled. It will fly across Europe and will be part of the backdrop to many sporting and cultural events. This fourth blimp will join Goodyear’s fleet, which is made up of three of these vehicles operating in the United States. They take part in many events across North America, and now they will be joined in Europe by this companion that retired from active service a few years ago.

History of the Goodyear blimp

This distinctive advertising vehicle that sails the skies was designed by Zeppelin in the 1910s, based on the idea that a hydrogen-filled airship could fly more gracefully than an aeroplane. Several commercial routes were established until it was deemed not to be as safe as it should be. But the life of the Zeppelin went on, and the collaboration between the aeronautics company and Goodyear began.

In the second half of the 20th century, Goodyear’s blimp was a constant presence, with appearances at races such as NASCAR, the 24 Hours of Le Mans or the Nürburgring. Europe also had one of these airships, and they have always been a useful and practical support for television cameras that covered many sporting events and even two royal weddings.

Now, Goodyear returns to the starting grid of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, so it will take this opportunity to show the world not only the efficiency of its tyres but also the technology that links it to Zeppelin to create this airship that will once again be an iconic image of motorsport.