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Hankook’s Confidence as New Tyre Supplier in WRC Debut
As the World Rally Championship (WRC) season kicks off in Monte Carlo, Hankook, the new tyre supplier, expresses complete confidence in its product despite some driver feedback suggesting its winter tyres need further refinement.
Taking over from Pirelli, which held the position for four years, Hankook has been preparing to meet the extensive demands of the championship. Since securing the FIA’s tender, the company has dedicated itself to creating a comprehensive lineup of tyres tailored for asphalt, gravel, and snow, culminating in approximately 3,800 kilometres of testing in collaboration with leading teams, including Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport-Ford.
This marks a significant milestone for Hankook, already established in motorsport through partnerships in Formula E, as they step into the upper echelon of rallying for the first time.
The Monte Carlo Rally presents unique challenges, known for its volatile weather that can shift from dry to icy conditions rapidly. Drivers will have the greatest variety of tyres at their disposal, designed to handle a spectrum of potential scenarios that the event might present.
In a statement prior to the race, Hankook’s European motorsport director Manfred Sandbichler expressed optimism. “I am 100% confident, especially with the current dry weather, which we consider the ideal situation for us to begin,” he noted, acknowledging that colder, snowy conditions would pose a different type of challenge, anticipating that this might be faced in the upcoming Rally Sweden.
“We are committed to the project and understand the challenges ahead. We’ve invested significant time and resources into development. Our engineering teams have performed admirably, and we have brought in specialists to assist in this venture. Until now, we have not encountered any unexpected issues,” he explained, reflecting on the rigorous process involved in tyre development for the WRC.
The introduction of Hankook’s tyres is a focal point as teams gear up for the season. There is a mix of opinions among drivers regarding the performance of the winter tyres, with some expressing contentment with the slick variants but identifying room for improvement in the winter models. Adrien Fourmaux from Hyundai noted, “The slick tyres are satisfactory, yet the winter variants seem to require some additional development. It is essential for all competitors to adapt, especially since they need to adjust their car setups when switching tyres.”
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans also provided insights, stating, “It’s challenging to draw definitive conclusions after just one day of testing. However, I found the slick tyres to perform reasonably well.” He emphasized that while he didn’t encounter significant issues, he had yet to test all tyre types under various conditions, particularly snow.
Despite the variety of feedback, Sandbichler acknowledged the mixed responses from teams and drivers throughout the development stage, assuring stakeholders that Hankook is prepared with contingency plans should any issues arise. He remarked, “I must be honest; while some feedback has been positive, not everyone will be satisfied at the onset, especially for a newcomer in a championship of this caliber.” He further reiterated the importance of adaptability and responsiveness to driver insights as the season unfolds.
As the competition begins, the focus remains on how well Hankook’s tyres perform under the pressures of the Monte Carlo Rally and beyond, with the upcoming Rally Sweden providing a further test of their capabilities. The journey ahead is poised to be filled with challenges and opportunities for all teams involved.
Source
www.autosport.com