Known for its unpredictable stage conditions, ranging from dry to ice-patched asphalt, the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo event presented the ultimate challenge for a tyre manufacturer making its first WRC appearance. But Hankook rose to the occasion, delivering a range of newly developed tyres that impressed drivers and teams across the service park.
For the alpine roads of round one Hankook provided the Ventus Z215, a tyre designed for dry to slightly damp conditions, available in soft and super-soft compounds, plus the Winter i*Cept SR20 - offered in both studded and non-studded options - for icier sections.
Another key change this season is the move to a single tyre specification across both Rally1 and WRC2, streamlining logistics and boosting sustainability by cutting down on tyre variations for teams
Toyota GAZOO Racing Team Principal Jari-Matti Latvala, whose drivers Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans secured a 1-2 finish at the season opener, highlighted Hankook’s strong start.

Sat 01 Feb 2025
Hankook’s WRC debut earns widespread praise
Hankook, the FIA World Rally Championship’s exclusive tyre supplier, received positive feedback following its impressive debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo.

“It’s been good,” he affirmed. “We don’t want the results being decided by who is having luck with the tyres, and the durability of these tyres has been really strong. Thanks to Hankook for that. For a starting point, coming as a new tyre manufacturer for the championship, I think they have done a good job.”
Welsh ace Evans was equally positive, adding: “I have to say, for a first roll-out it’s been really quite positive. Maybe the performance level was a bit different to what we were used to, but I would say the reliability is much better than what we were used to also. It’s natural to have differences between brands, and there’s naturally going to be a learning phase. But, from a Monte point of view, it was pretty okay.”
Ott Tänak, who finished fifth overall in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1, was also impressed.
“Reliability-wise, I would say [the tyres were] very good,” the 2019 WRC champion said. “Monte-Carlo is normally quite harsh on the tyres with the big cuts and sharp edges. I would say the slick also was performing quite well – maybe the winter tyre can be improved a little bit for next year – but I think it’s all part of the process.”
Hankook will debut its Winter i*Pike SR10W - a fully studded tyre designed for extreme snow and ice conditions - at Rally Sweden next month (13 - 16 February).

