NEU-ISENBURG, Germany (April 5, 2013)— Hankook Tire Europe GmbH announced it has been named the official supplier for the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship season by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Hankook said the Ford Fiesta R2 cars used in the series will race on Hankook's Ventus Z rally tires for dry and wet tarmac rallies and Ventus R for gravel events. Detailed tire specifications and the number of tires to be provided to competitors will be announced prior to each of the six rounds of the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship, Hankook said.
"We are delighted to have been selected as the official tire supplier to the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship. This is a prime opportunity for Hankook to demonstrate the quality and performance of our successful Ventus line of ultra-high-performance tires now on a global rally stage," said Hee-Se Ahn, Hankook Tire vice president for marketing and sales in Europe.
"Applying the highest standards of quality in terms of safety, handling, performance and environmental friendliness is key to our development philosophy," he added.
Mr. Ahn said the tire manufacturer is excited to "be part of this long term strategy for the development of worldwide rallying talent and fully expect that the young drivers being put through their paces in this year's Junior WRC Championship will greatly appreciate the controlled driving experience that our tires provide."
Jarmo Mahonen, FIA rally director added: "We are delighted to confirm Hankook Tire as the Official Tire Supplier to the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship. The company has developed a strong reputation for its motorsport products in recent years.
"In addition to their desire to demonstrate their products in one of the toughest environments in motorsport, Hankook has also embraced the concept of nurturing and educating the rallying stars of the future. We look forward to seeing them work alongside M-Sport and our 2013 crop of Junior WRC candidates."
Junior WRC Rally races include:
- Vodafone Rally de Portugal: April 11-14
- Acropolis Rally: May 31-June 2
- Neste Oil Rally Finland : Aug. 1-3
- ADAC Rallye Deutschland: Aug. 22-25
- Rallye de France-Alsace: Oct. 3-6
- RallyRACC-Rally de Espana: Oct. 24-27