DMACK confident in DMG-ICE tyre for WRC’s Swedish opener

The new tyre supply entrant into the World Rally Championship DMACK Tyres states that it is ready for its “biggest test” – the 59th running of Rally Sweden on 10-13 February, which marks the Chinese manufactured brand’s debut. The Swedish event is the beginning of what could be termed a fresh start in the history of the WRC with new cars, manufacturers and tyre suppliers – one of the global big three, Michelin is also joining the championship in 2011.

DMACK has come a long way in five months. In September 2010, after technical scrutiny in front of the FIA, it was appointed as one of only two tyre manufacturers sanctioned to supply this season’s world rally crews. After a rigorous testing and development programme, headed by test driver Mark Higgins, DMACK met the FIA’s 20 December deadline to register its final tyre specifications.
 
DMACK took advantage of the FIA sporting regulations for 2011 which encouraged new tyre manufacturers to enter the WRC. The technical rule changes made it more achievable for a new tyre manufacturer to enter the WRC market. DMACK will aim its supply at privateer teams and support category competitors by offering strong, durable tyres at affordable prices. The pricing structure will allow drivers on a more limited budget to access a championship-sanctioned product with the option of on-event expertise and technical support.
 
The biggest test so far for the company will be one of the most challenging events on this year’s calendar. Rally Sweden is known for its very low temperatures and demands impressive tyre technology. DMACK will supply competitors with its DMG-ICE tyre which is equipped with 382 metal studs, protruding 6.5mm, to bite into the frozen ice and snow which dominates the route – providing improved levels of grip on the frozen surfaces.
 
Stud retention is a vital aspect of Rally Sweden. In recent years, the lack of snow on some of the Swedish stages meant the gravel roads started to rip studs from the tyre causing deterioration in grip and traction. The DMG-ICE’s asymmetric tread pattern means that crews can use the same tyre on either side of the car, helping to increase flexibility and cost-effectiveness for competitors.
 
In a bid to provide even more affordable options, DMACK has offered exclusive incentives to competitors running on its tyres. Any class 2 or class 6 competitor who takes overall victory in that class will receive 50 per cent off their tyre bill for that event. In addition, any Production WRC competitor who uses DMACK tyres for the entire season and takes overall victory in the PWRC drivers’ championship will receive a free tyre package for the entire 2012 PWRC season.
 
DMACK will supply a number of teams and drivers on Rally Sweden including SWRC front-runner Martin Prokop, Martin Semerad and the two Abu Dhabi drivers Majed Al Shamsi and Bader Al Jabri.
 
Dick Cormack, DMACK Tyres motorsport director, said: “The WRC, as a series, is the ideal global platform for us to showcase the brand and next week will see the culmination of many months of hard work. It will be fantastic to see a DMACK tyre on the start line of the opening world rally championship event. We are looking forward to the rally and are happy with how the testing and development programme has progressed. Since gaining authorisation from the FIA to supply tyres in the championship alongside Michelin, we’ve achieved a lot and worked hard to develop what we believe is a product which suits our customers. We are confident our DMG-ICE tyre can perform well in terms of stud retention which is a key factor in this rally.”

Related news:

• Dmack Completes WRC Testing and Releases Range Information
• Dmack Completes WRC Gravel Tyre Evaluation
• Chinese-made Dmack Tyres to Join Michelin in WRC