In a significant reshuffling of the World Rally Championship (WRC) landscape, Hankook was officially announced as the new control tyre supplier starting in 2025. This decision, ratified during the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in December 2023, marked a pivotal shift for the sport as Hankook replaces Pirelli, the Italian tyre giant steering WRC since 2021.
The departure of Pirelli at the end of September 2023 sparked a competitive pitch among leading tyre manufacturers, including Michelin, MRF, and Hankook. Ultimately, the South Korean company secured the three-year contract, underpinning their growing influence and capability in motorsports. The agreement ensures Hankook will supply tyres across all RC1, RC2, and RC3 class cars until the conclusion of the 2027 season.
Hankook is no stranger to rallying but stepping up as the primary supplier for the WRC elevates its status significantly. Previously, Hankook has successfully supplied several teams within the European Rally Championship (ERC), particularly in Rally2 and Rally4 classes, and was the control tyre supplier for Junior ERC. The move to WRC is a natural progression for the Seoul-based tyre manufacturer, underlining its ambition and technical prowess.
Technicaltransition andstrategicsilence
Hankook’s approach to its new role in WRC has been notably understated. The company has focused squarely on developing and testing its products, eschewing flashy marketing for a straightforward commitment to performance and reliability. This refreshing strategy emphasizes their serious intent to deliver high-quality tyres that meet the rigorous demands of WRC’s varied and challenging terrains.
Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook’s motorsport director for Europe, reflected this focus in recent remarks, noting to DirtFish, “We are testing, that’s sure. All I can say is that we are inside our target.” Despite the pressures of developing a tyre capable of competing across the diverse conditions of WRC stages—from the icy paths of Sweden to the gravel roads of Portugal—Sandbichler expressed confidence in their current progress and solutions.
The design philosophy behind Hankook’s 2025 tyres involves a fairly wide window, suggesting versatility and adaptability as key features. In an interview with DirtFish, FIA rally director Andrew Wheatley said he wasn’t concerned about next year’s Hankooks, “The tyre is designed to be fairly flexible. At the moment, one of the targets from Hankook is to make the tyre between Rally1 and Rally2 as close as possible. It might be that there are some changes on different surfaces because it’s slightly different technical specification. The tyre is being designed with a fairly wide window, anyway. So I think we have a solution for that. I don’t think it’s an issue at the moment.”
This could prove critical as WRC teams seek every competitive edge, relying on tyres that can perform consistently across different climates and surfaces.
Implications for WRC andmotorsport
Hankook’s entry as the control tyre supplier is poised to introduce new dynamics into the WRC. With a new tyre on the blocks, teams and drivers must adjust their strategies and equipment configurations. This transition period will be crucial as competitors adapt to the feel and performance of Hankook tyres, potentially reshaping race outcomes and championship standings.
Moreover, the broader implications for the motorsport industry cannot be understated. Hankook’s rise challenges established players like Michelin and Pirelli, signaling a possible shift in market forces and brand perceptions within the high-stakes world of global motorsports.
As the 2025 WRC season fast approaches, all eyes will be on Hankook to see if their products can withstand the ultimate tests of speed, durability, and precision inherent to the World Rally Championship. Their success or failure will not only define their future in WRC but could also influence the direction of tyre technology and partnerships in motorsports worldwide.