The successful collaboration between ZC Rubber and the Red Bull Driftbrothers is being extended and expanded. Since last year, the leading Chinese tyre manufacturer has been the official tyre and equipment partner of the world-renowned German motorsport team with its brand Westlake Performance Tyres. The focus is on equipping the BMW vehicles that the team uses in competitions, show drifts, and exhibitions. The Red Bull Driftbrothers’ Westlake-shod vehicle fleet includes a completely newly built BMW M2 for the 2026 season, two BMW M4 models each producing 1,000 hp, and a BMW E30 used as a show car.
Another key element of the partnership is the technological development of the tyres in use. Engineers, drivers, and teams from ZC Rubber and the Red Bull Driftbrothers work closely together on this. The latest result of this cooperation is the Westlake Sport RS2 improvement. The new generation of this high-performance competition tyre delivers extremely precise handling characteristics and offers maximum stability and consistently high top-level performance across all temperatures and throughout the entire tread depth. End customers who are interested in the competition can also look forward to this product innovation, as the Westlake Sport RS2 will be available from ZC Rubber’s retail partners.
In 2026, the Red Bull Driftbrothers will complete an extensive programme. In addition to selected rounds of the Drift Masters European Championship, they will showcase their spectacular action as part of the supporting programme at the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring (14–17 May). Further joint appearances by the two partners are planned, among others, for The Tire Cologne (9–11 June) and the Essen Motor Show (27 November–6 December).
Jeffrey Zhang, General Manager of the International Business Department, Zhongce Rubber Group: “We are excited to continue our partnership with the Red Bull Driftbrothers. The experience of Elias and the constructive exchange with his team are extremely valuable for technology and the performance of our products. This is demonstrated very clearly in the development of the Westlake Sport RS2. The demanding drift sport is also an excellent platform for illustrating the performance of our tyres. We look forward to the joint events, where we intend to activate our partnership for the European market.”
Elias Hountondji, driver and engineer of the Red Bull Driftbrothers: “Having a reliable and high-performance tyre partner is enormously important in our sport. With ZC Rubber, we have had such a partner at our side since last year and are very pleased to continue the cooperation. Together, we have further optimised the rubber compound of the Westlake Sport RS2. The result is a high-performance tyre that we can rely on one hundred percent, even under extreme loads, to ensure that the level of grip does not drop. The fact that the tyre will soon also be available to customers makes us even more delighted.”
