Hankook named race tire supplier for touring car series in Europe, Japan

SEOUL, South Korea — Hankook Tire & Technology Co. Ltd. has expanded its involvement in motorsport, securing deals to supply race tires to the European TCR series for touring cars and Japan's Super Taikyu endurance racing series.

In Europe, Hankook is extending its presence in TCR competition thanks to an agreement signed with the promoters of different championships: TCR Europe, TCR Eastern Europe and the freshly launched TCR Spain.

In the case of TCR Europe, Hankook is replacing Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. as the series' tire supplier.

Announcement of the deal comes just two weeks after the DTM German Touring Car Championship disclosed it had signed Michelin Motorsports as its tire supplier, ending prematurely a contract it had with Hankook.

Hankook said it was able to take up the TCR deal at this relatively late date because it had developed Ventus competition tires for TCR racing cars in the past few years as the designated supplier for the 24H Series, the Coppa Italia Turismo and the Baltic Touring Car Championship.

TCR Europe promoter Paulo Ferreira said TCR is "delighted such a renowned and experienced premium tire maker as Hankook is supporting TCR Europe."

Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook motorsport director, Europe, added: "The TCR class is known for touring car racing of the highest standard. It features a wide range of brands and is established around the world," making Hankook's involvement "exactly the right decision."

TCR Europe, which is entering its sixth season as a championship, sanctions racing series in seven European countries.

There are 15 teams and 34 drivers listed for the 2021 season. Cars entered include Alfa Romeo, Audi, Cupra, Honda, Hyundai and Peugeot. The season will comprise seven race weekends at tracks in seven countries, starting May 7-9 in Slovak Republic and ending Oct. 8-10 in Spain.

Hankook is also supporting the third season of TCR Eastern Europe and the inaugural season of TCR Spain as its exclusive tire supplier.

The TCR class — which is running internationally under the aegis of the World Touring Car Cup — comprises front-wheel-drive sedans powered by 2-liter turbocharged engines.

In Japan, Hankook is replacing Pirelli Motorsport as the exclusive tire supplier for the Super Taikyu Series, described as Japan's longest-running endurance racing series — 2021 will be the 30th anniversary season — and largest Grand Touring (GT) endurance series in Asia with roughly 60 cars running each race.

Hankook also has agreed to be the series' title sponsor — "Super Taikyu Series 2021 Powered by Hankook" — through 2023.

The Super Taikyu Series comprises nine classes, featuring models from global premium car brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, McLaren, Aston Martin and Toyota. Some of the classes adhere to the vehicle and competition rules developed for the TCR Series.

The 2021 season will comprise six rounds at circuits around Japan, starting March 20-21 at Twin Ring Motegi.

The various parties did not disclose financial details of the new supply/sponsorship deals.