Hankook Tire’s Design Innovation in Collaboration with Vibram® Spotlighted at ISPO Munich Ar

Hankook Tire’s Design Innovation in Collaboration with Vibram® Spotlighted at ISPO Munich

 

January 25, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) Hankook Tire in strategic partnership with Vibram®, the premium outsole company, will again be exhibiting its futuristic concept tires and shoes at the ISPO Munich 2016 in Germany that takes place from 24-27 January.

Hankook Tire exhibits at the international main exhibition for sport business, its two off-road concept tires, the DynaMIX and DynaSYNC, which applies Vibram®’s hyper-functional outsole design. The strategic combination of design and technological know-how of the two companies has created innovative concepts in cross-industry collaboration. The two companies’ significant technological strengths and authentic styles, the collaboration has pushed the boundaries of performance in both industries.

DynaMIX was made using two of the most important technologies praised by Vibram®: the first, expressed through the iconic Vibram® carrarmato design, ensures traction on rough terrains; the second is the Vibram® 3D Cocoon, a nylon fiber molded in the tread that protects tires distributing the point of impact on a wider surface. DynaSYNC was achieved by applying the design of geometric multi-directional lugs – already used on Vibram FiveFingers® – that offer greater stability, traction and flexibility.

Vibram®‘s DynaSTRYKE BKL and DynaTREK represent the two new Vibram® shoes paired with the DynaMIX and DynaSYNC concept tires, respectively, as sister products. “Sharing technology” behind the collaboration, the famous toe-shoe offers itself to the public in an unprecedented and original version, preserving its recognizable structure and yet with a further futuristic twist.

The concept design products were first presented on the occasion of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, 2015. This time at ISPO Munich 2016, where over 80,000 visitors from 110 countries attend, Hankook Tire puts on view further to the leading international platform for the sport business elite.

 

Hankook Design Tyres on visionary Opel GT Concept Ar

Hankook Design Tyres on visionary Opel GT Concept

 

Hankook will be debuting its futuristic concept tyres based upon a roller skate design amongst other products at the Geneva Auto salon on Thursday 3rd – Sunday 13th March 2016 in the Opel booth 2231 in Hall 2. For the fascinating Opel study GT Concept, the premium manufacturer has developed special red and black tyres which, despite their prototype status, permit speeds in the three-digit km/h range. The red Hankook tyres on the front axle place a focal emphasis to the futuristic look of the sports car study.

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 2 March 2016 – Amongst other products, premium tyre maker Hankook will be exhibiting its concept tyre on the new Opel GT Concept at the Geneva Auto salon. Despite its prototype status and futuristic roller skate design, the specially solid coloured tyres, red placed on the front axle and black on the rear axle, can be driven at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The tyre sidewall and tread design follows the seamless curves and futuristic look of the GT body reflecting the dynamic flowing shapes of the study. Its sophisticated door mechanism permits a pleasing view of the tyres especially adapted tread design including the incorporated GT logos.

When producing the concept tyres, Hankook engineers faced challenges of preparing the sidewall and tread pattern alongside the creation of rubber colour samples according to Opel specifications. The red front tyres in particular are reminiscent of the Opel Motorbike Motoclub 500 unveiled in 1928 that are an essential visual component of the study forming the beginning of the striking red “signature line” which highlights the contour of the GT Concept and makes it distinctive, resembling that of a pictogram. The prominent colouring is made possible by a special tread and side wall compound which contains alternative filler materials on a white colour basis rather than carbon black.

Design and structure of the concept tyres are similar to regular road tyres despite the red and black colour differences, they both provide an identical construction. Referencing sizing of the concept tyres, they correspond approximately to the conventional tyre size 225/40R18

The following processes of production are similar to the manufacturing steps for regular road tyres using the rapid prototyping method and subsequent construction of a mould, with suitable red and black rim inserts also produced from the same material as the tread compound. Hankook Vice President Klaus Krause, Head of the Company’s European Technical Centre in Hanover, Germany, which played a crucial role in turning the specifications into real tyres, confirms that coloured tyres do not have to remain an element of fun for exhibition cars. “Visual aspects can favour coloured tyres by all means. They would provide car drivers with further customisation options for their vehicles, and the beautiful Opel GT Concept will certainly provide drivers with an insight to what the future can hold.” However, Krause admits that “in technical terms, taking the coloured design further than the sidewall would lead to significantly higher production costs.”

 

Hankook Tire Achieves Further Premium Original Equipment Approval for Summer and Winter Tires Ar

Hankook Tire Achieves Further Premium Original Equipment Approval for Summer and Winter Tires

 

– Hankook Tire will be supplying its ultra-high performance summer and winter Ventus S1 evo2 and Winter i*cept evo in runflat versions to the new BMW 7 Series as original fitment

– The tires have been developed in Hankook Tire’s highest R&D intensity and are supplied to BMW directly from the company’s European high-end factory in Hungary

 

March 22nd, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire has been selected as one of the original equipment (OE) suppliers for the all new BMW 7 Series.

The brand new luxury limousine by the Munich-based premium car manufacturer will feature on Hankook Tire amongst others when rolled off the factory production line. Hankook Tire’s high-end premium flagship tire Ventus S1 evo2 shall be fitted in special runflat sizes 245/50R18Y*RSC (Runflat Safety Component) alongside mixed sizes 245/45R19Y*RSC for the front and 275/40R19Y*RSC for the rear axle providing ultra-high performing summer mobility. The tire company’s ultra-high performance cold weather pattern Winter i*cept evo will be supplied in size 245/50R18H*RSC on each corner ensuring superior winter performance is achieved.

The 7 Series Sedan is the seventh model by the BMW Group joins others to be fitted with Hankook Tire including the MINI, the BMW 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Series as well as the X1 and X5. This marks another important milestone in Hankook Tire’s global expansion in to the premium automotive segment as it is the first time the tire company is supplying both summer and winter tires to the BMW Group as original fitment.

“We are proud to announce the new OE supply contract for the new 7 Series as well as the first premium OE approval for winter tires”, says Seung Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman & CEO of Hankook Tire. “As Hankook Tire’s OE products completely match the high-end standards of luxury limousine of our longstanding partner, we will look forward to further expanding our global presence in premium segment by providing an array of automaker’s flagship models.”

Hankook Tire’s ultra-high performance snow tire Winter i*cept evo in size 245/50R*RSC has been designed to provide superior performance especially in severe winter conditions by optimizing wet, dry and snow performance. The tire’s inside-to-outside asymmetric groove tread delivers a high level of stylish perfection with an enhanced pitch design that guarantees the optimal driving experience which was recently also awarded with the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award.

As the company’s flagship performance tire, Hankook Tire’s high-end Ventus S1 evo2 provides the optimal driving performance both on the wet and dry roads. Equipped with sophisticated DTM technology, it stands out for its successful combination of performance, durability, comfort and energy efficiency, delivering a stable and accurate cornering best fit for the performance vehicles. The tire’s inside-to-outside groove design provides an increased water drainage performance while dispersing friction heat. Besides, it guarantees a comfortable driving experience with reduced noise and vibration.

During the intensive trial phase the tires have proven to provide a high level of driving comfort whilst maintaining distinctively dynamic driving characteristics. The tires had to meet the highest of demands in relation to dry handling performance, rolling resistance whilst providing low interior and exterior noise. “Excellent driving and comfort features had to be combined with equally demanding wet and snow performance. This not only required the development of a special tread compound but also finding a fundamentally new balance between compound, tread design and construction”, explains Klaus Krause, Head of the Hanover-based European Technology Centre (ETC) at Hankook Tire, where the tire development for the BMW Group in Europe takes place. “Winter tire development is even more demanding, particularly for the high development objectives of reduced noise as winter tires by nature have more block edges which generally lead to increased noise levels.”

 

Hankook Tire Acvhieved “Very Recommendable” Rating by AutoBild and AutoBild Sportscars Summer Tire Test 2016 Ar

Hankook Tire Acvhieved “Very Recommendable” Rating by AutoBild and AutoBild Sportscars Summer Tire Test 2016

 

– Highly recognized for technological excellence by receiving “Very Recommendable” on the summer tire test of both AutoBild and AutoBild Sportscars Summer Tire Test 2016

– ‘Ventus Prime 3’ ranked as Top that has overtaken competitors such as Pirelli, Continental, and Goodyear in AutoBild Summer Tire Test 2016 and ‘Ventus S1 evo2’ ranked as Second in Autobild Sportscars Summer Tire Test 2016 respectively.

 

March 29, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire has announced that its new model, ‘Ventus Prime 3’ and ’Ventus S1 evo2’ have got international recognition for technological excellence at AutoBild Summer Tire Test 2016 and Autobild Sportscars Summer Tire Test 2016 respectively. These two tests of magazines are hosted by Autobild Group, renowned the largest German automobile magazine group.

The latest generation of Hankook Tire, ‘Ventus Prime 3’ (K125), ranked the first place among 50 brands with the size of 205/55R16V at AutoBild Summer Tire Test 2016. The cutting edge tire has been appraised for best driving performance on wet and dry surfaces, along with fuel efficiency.

The high-end model of Hankook Tire, ‘Ventus S1 evo2 (K117)’ especially got recognized as the best tire for wet roads at Summer Tire Test of Autobild Sportscars 2016. ‘Ventus S1 evo²’ has proved its strong performance in various aspects including noise, handling, braking on both dry and wet roads with 255/35R20 front and 295/30R20 rear sizes.

Seung Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman & CEO of Hankook Tire said that “All of us at Hankook Tire are extremely proud of the scores that our ‘Ventus Prime 3’ and ’Ventus S1 evo2’ achieved. We believe that it is a result of Hankook Tire’s consistent commitment in technology advancement.” He added that “Hankook Tire will continue our dedication to make innovations in product performance in order to deliver the utmost driving satisfaction for our customers”.

AutoBild, is a leading German automobile magazine, first published in 1986. With its worldwide licensed editions in 36 countries, it has more than 500,000 copies weekly in Germany. It offers comprehensive vehicle reviews like Quality satisfaction report, 100,000 km Endurance Test, Recall History, Suggestion Box, Periodical test, Repair Shop test, and Guarantee policy.

AutoBild Sportscars, first published in 2002, is the leading German sports car magazine which is a sister magazine of Autobild. With the circulation of 115,800 copies, the monthly magazine is considered as the benchmark in testing expertise by conducting tough comparative and individual test from the potent small cars to vigorous SUVs as well as sport tires.

Hankook Tire America Corp. Named SABRE Award Finalist Ar

Hankook Tire America Corp. Named SABRE Award Finalist

 

– Hankook Tire and Brodeur Partners among top 5 companies recognized in Sponsorship category

 

Wayne, NJ – APRIL 6, 2016 – Hankook Tire America Corp. today announced it is a finalist for the 2016 North America SABRE Awards for its public relations and social media campaign to support its Formula Drift racing sponsorship. Hankook Tire was selected as one of five finalists in the “Sponsorship” category for its “SHankook Tire Kicks it into High Gear with Championship Program”S campaign. With just one more day until the start of the 2016 Formula Drift season, Hankook looks to carry last year’s momentum onto the track this weekend.

Developed by Hankook Tire, along with its public relations and social media agency Brodeur Partners, the campaign was designed to leverage the visibility of the sponsorship to drive engagement with media, fans and consumers through social and earned media. Formula Drift is the premier drifting series in the United States. Last season, Hankook won the tire manufacturing championship, and Hankook drivers swept the championship podium finishing in first, second and third place for the season. The competitive motorsport series involves professional drivers intentionally maneuvering their high-powered cars into well executed, controlled sideways slides at high speeds through a marked course.

The integrated campaign implemented by Hankook and Brodeur included driver interviews, experiential events, a multimedia series and social programs offering the chance to win Hankook motorsports prize packaging, to optimize brand engagement and attract more brand advocates.

Hankook stands among four other brands in the SABRE Award sponsorship category, including JetBlue, Microsoft, Benzac and Humana. The shortlist of Award finalists includes close to 300 campaigns, selected from among more than 2,000 entries in this year’s competition. Entries were evaluated by a jury of more than 40 industry leaders, and Hankook was praised for its superior achievement in branding, reputation and engagement.

The SABRE Award winners will be announced on May 3 in New York.

 

Hankook Tire Reports Financial Results for the first Quarter of 2016 Ar

Hankook Tire Reports Financial Results for the first Quarter of 2016

 

– Hankook Tire achieved global sales revenues of KRW 1.63 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 251.1 billion during Q1 2016

– Global business growth driven by increased OE and UHPT sales in Europe and North America

 

April 29, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2016 with global consolidated sales of KRW 1.63 trillion and an operating profit of KRW 251.1 billion. Despite fluctuations in global economy, Hankook Tire strengthened its brand equity as a global premium tire company with increased performance, by 9.4 % in sales and 23.6 % in operating profits, compared to the same period of last year.

Hankook Tire’s positive growth for the first quarter of 2016 is attributed to impressive performance in its core markets in Europe and North America especially in U.S. Increased sales volume and OE sales led 7.9 % and 8.4 % year–on–year growth in Europe and in U.S respectively. Hankook Tire’s efforts to implement aggressive global downstream strategy as well as enhanced visibility with brand communication activities in the market have contributed to the performance.

Furthermore, Hankook Tire’s consistent sales growth in Ultra High Performance Tire (UHPT) segment reporting the 6.9% increase in sales from the same quarter in Y2015. The UHPT segment accounted for approximately 33.7 % of the company’s gross sales revenue during the first quarter and led sustainable sales growth of Hankook Tire. In particular, Europe and North America saw 15.6% and 38.7% year–on–year increase in UHP sales.

Hankook Tire will work to further improve its position in the premium tire market, particularly in Europe and North America. As market demand for high–inch has increased, Hankook Tire plans to expand its 4,000 direct and indirect global distribution channels up to 50 % by 2017. Hankook Tire will also continue to accelerate its business growth as a global top–tier tire company by expanding its supply for global premium automotive brands.

 

Q1 2016 Consolidated Financial Result

(Unit: Billion KRW) Q1 FY 2015 Q4 FY 2015 Q1 FY 2016
Sales 1,486.5 1,596.5 1,626.0
Operating Profit 203.2 239.1 251.1

 

(Unit: Million USD) Q1 FY 2015 Q4 FY 2015 Q1 FY 2016
Sales 1,351.0 1,379.0 1,353.4
Operating Profit 184.7 206.5 209.0

 

(Unit: Million EUR) Q1 FY 2015 Q4 FY 2015 Q1 FY 2016
Sales 1,199.4 1,259.5 1,227.3
Operating Profit 164.0 188.6 189.5

 

*Exchange Rates:

Q1 FY 2015 Q4 FY 2015 Q1 FY 2016
USD / KRW 1,100.26 1,157.69 1,201.44
EUR / KRW 1,239.34 1,267.57 1,324.87

(NOTE: Average exchange rates for the given annual period, retrieved from Korea Exchange Bank)

 

Hankook Tire Starts Exclusive Original Equipment to the Nissan Frontier Ar

Hankook Tire Starts Exclusive Original Equipment to the Nissan Frontier

 

– The company accelerates its OE business by supplying light truck tires for the 2016 Nissan Frontier

– Hankook Tire’s Dynapro HT and Dynapro AT-M tires supplied in total three sizes

 

May 4, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire announced that the company supplies its highway all-season Dynapro HT in size P265/70R16T and P265/60R18T, and aggressive all-terrain Dynapro AT-M in size P265/75R16T tires for the Nissan Frontier, a leader in the midsize truck segment. Hankook Tire is the exclusive original equipment provider across the main size ranges for the Nissan Frontier, further expanding its diverse original equipment (OE) supply portfolio.

The supplement to Nissan is the latest example of Hankook Tire’s growing presence in the Light Truck Radial (LTR) business, especially in North America where demand for pickup trucks is relatively high. By successfully supplying an expanded size range for the automaker’s mid-size pickup truck, Hankook Tire has been able to further strengthen its partnership with Nissan as well as raise its brand presence in the North American pickup truck OE market. Those Frontier pickups equipped with Hankook Tire’s OE products are exported to North America and Mexico.

As a premium all-season tire for light trucks and SUVs, the Dynapro HT provides drivers with greater treadwear, enhanced rolling resistance, and improved snow traction. Dynapro HT’s 3.5% wider tread offers superior driving comfort as well as a longer lifespan. The tire also utilizes a stiff center block and an advanced snow kerf design to provide heightened steering response in addition to reduced noise across all driving conditions

Hankook Tire’s all-terrain Dynapro AT-M was designed to meet the performance needs of light trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles both on and off the road. Its innovative tread and sidewall design resembles tiger teeth, giving it an aggressive look that enhances vehicle style as well as driving capability. The tire’s wraparound tread also guards against possible deformation while providing outstanding traction, especially in muddy or snowy conditions.

The Frontier is the 6th brand of Nissan Group joined with Hankook Tire in company with Altima, NV200, Paladin, Qashqai, and Rogue. Hankook Tire highlights its expanded global OE portfolios to Japanese brand through the new OE contract with Nissan.

“We are proud to announce the new OE supply contract for Nissan Frontier.” says Mr. Seung Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman & CEO of Hankook Tire. “The new OE supply contract proves Hankook Tire’s products are highly recognized as a global premium brand with technological excellence once again. Hankook Tire will continue to raise its standing in the OE business by maintaining its heavy investment in R&D in order to meet the high standards of leading global automakers.”

 

 

DTM and Hankook Decide on an Early Extension to Successful Partnership Ar

DTM and Hankook Decide on an Early Extension to Successful Partnership

 

DTM Promoters and copyright holder ITR, and tyre maker Hankook, have announced a three year extension to their successful collaboration effective from 2017 until 2019. Both parties signed a corresponding partnership contract before the 2016 season kicked off in Hockenheim. The early extension of the contract with DTM is both an indication of the successful relationship up until now, as well as an expression of trust in the future sustainable tyre technology provided by the manufacturer.

Seoul, Korea / Neu-Isenburg, Germany, May 6, 2016 – Hankook and DTM have officially extended their existing and successful cooperation, active since 2011, for another three years. A corresponding contract was signed today following the international DTM press conference for the opening of the season at the Hockenheim ring. As usual, Hankook will continue to deliver their premium performance racing tyres from the Ventus Race DTM range to the three car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.

“The trusting cooperation with Hankook, the performance capability of the company and its tyre technology has led to us extending our partnership with Hankook. With regard to further internationalization and future technical regulations, the professionalism which we have come to know and expect from our tyre partner Hankook is a major factor,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM Promoter ITR e.V.

Ho-Youl Pae, Hankook’s Head of Europe, said at the signing, “DTM is the most successful touring car series internationally. The direct involvement of the three premium manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz means that there is no similar power density anywhere else in motor sport, particularly at the highest technical level possible. We are proud that DTM will enter a new era from 2017 with us as their exclusive tyre manufacturer. We will continue to reinforce their trust in us.”

The team managers of the committed car manufacturers share their approval. Dieter Gass, Audi Sport, Head of DTM, praised their long-standing DTM tyre partner: “We are absolutely thrilled with Hankook’s performance. The quality of the racing tyres is always of a consistently high standard.” Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director, said “continuity and stability are important factors in high-class racing series such as DTM. We consider it a real positive that Hankook will continue to be our tyre partner. In a series where the best touring car drivers in the world are pushing themselves to the limit, round after round, the best possible tyres are essential.

Therefore, it is worth finding the best possible compromise between performance and durability. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to establish a constant dialogue between the tyre partner and our engineers. This is true of the collaboration between us and Hankook.” Head of the Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz is also enthusiastic about the tyres: “DTM is a technically challenging racing series. Therefore, it is important to have a reliable tyre partner. We have successfully worked with Hankook for more than five years. We are pleased that the contract has been extended.”

The tyre maker has been active in international motorsports since 1992, and has participated in international motorsport circuit racing, amongst others, with DTM, the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, the 24 H Endurance Race or the TCR Series in Germany, Italy and Portugal, as well as diverse Formula 4 races.

With regard to the extended contract, Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook’s Motorsport Director Europe, said “DTM is one of the top class motor sport series from around the world. It attracts many hundreds of thousands of visitors to race tracks every year, and it is broadcast in more than 175 countries. DTM’s extension of the contract with Hankook is testament to our technological know-how with tyres, which has been developed over 20 years of racing sport experience.”

The 2016 DTM season, which kicked off today, traditionally begins on the 4,574 kilometre long Hockenheim ring, where Hankook tyres’ success stories will by the end of the weekend have been shown at 60 DTM races: in the 58 DTM races so far, the Ventus Race DTM tyre has constantly showcased its best side. Hankook tyres offer outstanding performances even under difficult conditions, with a consistency and safety which leaves a lasting impression.

 

 

Hankook Tire Magazine ‘MiU’ Wins Mercury Grand Awards Ar

Hankook Tire Magazine ‘MiU’ Wins Mercury Grand Awards

 

– Received a Grand Winner for Magazines at Mercury Excellence Awards following Gold Award in last February

– Strengthened its brand value with exquisite visualization of technology leadership in motorsports

 

May 18, 2016 (Seoul, Korea) – Hankook Tire announced its corporate magazine ‘MiU’ received a Grand Winner in Magazines-Design category at Mercury Excellence Awards 2015/2016, following the announcement of Gold Award in the category last February. Hankook Tire has been recognized as a premium brand equipped with cutting edge technology as well as leading motorsports culture through its high-tech lifestyle magazine MiU.

MiU has been acclaimed for its creativeness and effectiveness as a communication channel to its customers in design and contents since published in 2013. It delivers unique and interesting topics on motorsports, tech-toy, architecture, and fashion-items under the special themes and the cover page for each season. In particular, this award-winning season introduced five of global racing teams including Martini, Gulf, Scuderia Ferrari, Lotus and Hankook Tire with each team’s symbolic colors on the cover page. This season also covers Hankook Tire’s motorsports history that also includes the introduction on 24H series.

Mercury Excellence Award is one of the world’s top 3 awards, founded in 1987 with the principal purpose of advancing the art and sciences of communications in an international arena. Along with ASTRID and ARC awards, Mercury Excellence Award called as ‘Oscar Award’ in public relations. The Award is held every year hosted by global media group MerComm in New York City, USA. Marking 29th of the award this year, total 650 entries from 23 countries participated in the awards.

Seung-Hwa Suh, Vice Chairman and CEO of Hankook Tire said, “It is great privilege to receive a Grand Winner at the world’s best communication awards.” He added that “As MiU represents Hankook Tire’s design philosophy and commitment to enhance interaction with customers, Hankook Tire will continue to do best to be a top-tier brand boosting brand privilege in the global automotive industry”.

 

 

Right tyre pressure decisive in the Alps Ar

Right tyre pressure decisive in the Alps

 

After the thrilling season-opener in Hockenheim, this weekend sees the DTM move on to the first two races on foreign soil. The differences in elevation around the 4.326-kilometre circuit in Spielberg, Austria, are perfectly integrated into the Alpine landscape. The race tyre from exclusive DTM partner Hankook has provided plenty of traction on the smooth asphalt of the Red Bull Ring in recent years, with low levels of wear allowing consistently quick lap times from start to finish.

Spielberg/Austria, 19 May 2016 – The idyllic Alpine racetrack is one of the fastest circuits in the most popular international touring car series. The seven right turns and two left turns put the front-left tyre under the most pressure. Even in such challenging conditions, the drivers can rely on the usual high level of performance from premium tyre maker Hankook’s Ventus Race tyre.

For team and drivers, it is important to get the race tyres to working temperature as quickly as possible on the smooth, fine asphalt. “Getting the right tyre pressure for the air and track temperature, and getting a balanced set-up for the car, makes all the difference,” says Hankook DTM race engineer Thomas Baltes.

While the race at the Hockenheimring tested the construction of the Hankook race tyre, the Red Bull Ring puts more pressure on the tread of the tyre, as the smooth asphalt provides less grip overall. Thomas Baltes: “This means that we have a slightly higher tread temperature in Spielberg than at other DTM circuits.”

The track layout at the Red Bull Ring is very varied, featuring long straights, sequences of fast turns, uphill and downhill sections. “The various turns and climbs, and the gradient, mean that a balanced mix of aerodynamics and mechanical grip is required in Spielberg,” explains the Hankook DTM race engineer.

The sharp right turn just after the start is a key point on the circuit. The drivers must hit the ideal line here to ensure that they have enough traction for the long uphill straight that follows. The hairpins later on test the grip level of the Hankook race tyre, as the drivers accelerate hard out of these slow sections.

The weather can be a real unknown quantity in Spielberg. “In recent years, we have experienced a few torrential downpours. The drivers then have to be especially careful to avoid the standing water that collects at some points on the Red Bull Ring, increasing the danger of aquaplaning.”

In addition to the DTM, the young drivers from the FIA Formula 3 European Championship will also be competing in Spielberg. The talented youngsters have been driving exclusively on tyres from the premium tyre maker for five years now, with a constantly high level of reliability. “The understanding of perfect tyre handling is a critical success factor. As drivers we need to understand the tyres to fully use their high potential. Due to their strong performance the Hankook racing tyres are ideally suited for this,” says Lance Stroll, who leads the championship after the first three races of the season.