Kumho to supply French F4 racing series
Kumho, who only recently was appointed official tyre supplier to the global Auto GP Series, has now also won the contract to supply all the tyres for the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile's (FFSA) F4 single-seater racing championship.
The ‘slicks and wings’ cars used in the French F4 series are powered by 140bhp, 1600cc Renault engines, and the championship is aimed at aspiring F1 drivers – current Grand Prix competitors Jean‑Éric Vergne (Toro Rosso) and Charles Pic (Marussia) are among the series’ many successful graduates. The decision to select Kumho tyres in preference to rival products followed a comprehensive test session at the Bugatti Circuit, Le Mans; Kumho says its tyres impressed the decision makers with their reliability and endurance. The front tyres also proved to be lighter than those used previously, endowing the cars with superior balance. Another factor also appears to have played a decisive role in choosing a new tyre supplier.
“Although we had a good relationship from the beginning with Michelin, who was our partner for the last 19 years, we needed to find a solution to increasing economic pressures,” said FFSA president Dominique Lunel. “Kumho provided us with the answer without compromising on quality. We are very happy with this new partnership that will also be good for the young drivers engaged in our series.”
“Our long and successful involvement in F3 allowed us to quickly establish suitable compounds and construction for these miniature Grand Prix cars, and we are obviously delighted the resulting tyres were found to be the best of those tested,” added Steve Thompson, Kumho’s European motorsport manager. “This circuit‑based contract follows hot on the heels of our victory in last year’s French Gravel Rally Championship, further strengthening our relationship with French motorsport generally and aiding name awareness for the Kumho brand in that country.”
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