Hankook supplier for Audi Sport TT Cup

NEU-ISENBURG, Germany (Dec. 2, 2014) — Hankook Tire Corp. will be the exclusive tire supplier for the new Audi Sport TT Cup, which provides young international racing drivers an opportunity to enter professional racing.

The racing cars are based on the new Audi TT, the car maker's two-seat sporty coupe.

The racing version weighs in at just 2,745 pounds, is powered by a 310-hp 2-liter four-cylinder engine and fitted with Hankook Ventus Race tires, according to quattro G.m.b.H., the Audi A.G. unit that's organizing the series. It will stage a dozen races at six venues alongside the DTM German Touring Car Championship.

Audi/Quattro will prepare 24 identical TT racers and select 18 drivers for the series during a succession of on- and off-track evaluations from among 165 applicants who have applied, according to the car maker. Of these, 50 will be invited to compete for the seats at an evaluation on Dec. 12-13 to be judged by a panel of racing veterans.

The entry fee includes the preparation of the car and fielding in the race, data analyses, a mechanic, VIP tickets including

admission to the Audi Lounge in the paddock, and dedicated areas on the TT cup for logos of personal sponsors, Audi said.

“The global interest in the Audi Sport TT Cup is overwhelming,” said Audi's Project Manager Rolf Michl.

“We are extremely pleased with the large number of entries, but even more so with the quality and international attention the competition is attracting. On the basis of the response so far, we will have a great field of starters for the premiere season.

“The subject of tires is vitally important in motor sports. It will play a major role in educating our young racing drivers. Hankook has an enormous amount of know-how and is the perfect partner for the Audi Sport TT Cup.”

The Audi Sport TT Cup will participate in a total of six DTM events in Germany and neighboring countries in 2015, Audi said. Two 30-minute races are planned at each event. The driving time, including free practice and qualifying, will be more than two hours per weekend.