WRC
WRC the ultimate proving ground for developing tyres, says Hankook
The FIA World Rally Championship is the ultimate proving ground for tyre development, according to Hankook, which has declared itself “happy” with its start as the series’ exclusive tyre supplier.
Global tyre leader Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) is now four rounds into its new three-year partnership with the WRC. Following last weekend’s Rally Islas Canarias, the Korean firm has already encountered some of the most extreme and diverse conditions its tyres will face throughout the season.
From the icy asphalt of Monte Carlo and the snow and ice of Sweden, to Kenya’s rough gravel and soft sand, and the high-speed, circuit-like tarmac of the Canary Islands, it’s been a daunting introduction for any tyre manufacturer.
Across these varied terrains, Hankook’s full range — including Ventus, Dynapro, Winter icept and Winter iPike — has now seen competitive use. The experience has reaffirmed that WRC is a unique and valuable platform for tyre development.
“Honestly, it is absurd [the conditions the drivers have to face],” Hankook’s WRC spokesperson Steven Cho told WRC.com. “They are incredibly challenging conditions that the tyres, the wheels, the suspension, the drivers have to go through — it is an unbelievable challenge across all the regions and surfaces.
Hankook’s team hard at work preparing tyres for action.
© WRC
“Forget about the technical challenge and the interesting sporting side — having the opportunity to work closely with these world-level drivers and manufacturers, that kind of data you can only get in this world championship.
“From a marketing side, the imagery is beautiful for sure. The marketing aspect helps, but on the technical challenge, it is very, very good for us.”
Reflecting on the performance of Hankook tyres across asphalt, snow and gravel, Cho believes the company’s 3,800 kilometres of testing since February 2024 — along with its collaboration with WRC manufacturers — is paying off.
“I think we can say we are reasonably satisfied. Of course, in motorsports it is never perfect and there is always homework to be done, but we had a very good development period with the teams and the FIA, and I think it is paying off. We can be happy,” Cho added.
Hankook tyres in action on Monte-Carlo’s ice-patched mountain roads.
© WRC
“The tyres have been robust and we have had a few failures, but it is all understood as part of rallying, and it is an exciting championship — so that is our target.
“One of the benefits of being part of the world championship is the amount of data. There is an immense amount of data and lots of learning, so there is almost more work that is done after the event than during.
“We are in close collaboration with our guys in the R&D centre and with the manufacturers as well. We are always assessing what learnings we can take from the short term and what we can apply for the long term.
“At this point, I think we can be satisfied. Evolving and changing is good, but also stability is good as well — it allows the competitors to optimise, to know what they’re dealing with. Of course, we plan to make changes when necessary, but for now, we are in a good place.”
