The World Rally Championship (or WRC) is about to undergo a major change in 2025. For the next three seasons, Korean manufacturer Hankook will be the exclusive tire supplier for all WRC categories! The manufacturer's tires will be used on vehicles from three different brands - Hyundai, Toyota and Ford - in events spanning virtually the entire planet. This announcement has caused quite a stir in the world of motorsport, and raises an existential question: what can this partnership bring to one of the world's most demanding competitions?
Extreme tires, extreme challenge
The WRC is a real challenge: snow-covered roads, mud, gravel and crazy speeds of up to 200 kph. Drivers must be able to rely on tires capable of handling all these conditions. That's why Hankook has developed a complete range to meet the demands of the championship: the Ventus Z215 and Ventus Z210 for dry and wet surfaces, the Dynapro R213 for ultimate versatility, and specific models for extreme winter conditions.
With these technologies, Hankook promises optimum performance in all circumstances. It remains to be seen how these new tires will compare with those from previous suppliers once they're out in the field! If Hankook's current products on the market are anything to go by, we can expect a pleasant surprise... I'm thinking in particular of the high-performance Ventus S1 Noble2 and the popular Dynapro HP2 RA33.
WRC: a strategic challenge
This major partnership is certainly not limited to tires. For Hankook, it's a golden opportunity to strengthen its position in motorsport. Already present in Formula E, the South Korean manufacturer is asserting its ambition to become a key player in international motorsports. By equipping cars for the WRC, Junior WRC and the Swedish Rally Championship, Hankook is giving itself global exposure and proving its ability to design ultra-high-performance tires capable of withstanding the most extreme tests.
Are you a rally fan? I invite you to keep an eye on the competition calendar. At the time of writing, the Sweden rally starts in less than 24 hours. Perhaps you'd prefer to wait until March to watch the Safari Rally in Kenya? This will be the real test for Hankook: will their tires live up to your expectations? One thing's for sure: the adrenalin will be pumping!
