Hankook ready as W Series returns in 2021

After missing a year due to its corona-related cancellation, W Series is back in 2021. Returning with it is exclusive tyre partner Hankook, supplying Ventus Race tyres to all entries in the single-seater series.

W Series is the first single-seater racing series solely featuring female drivers and was launched in 2018 to provide up and coming drivers the opportunity to gain practical motorsport experience. Hankook Tire has been on board as exclusive tyre supplier since the series’ inaugural season in 2019, which was won by British driver Jamie Chadwick.

“Having confidence in the performance of the tyres is vital when you are racing on the limit, and Hankook’s quality and consistency in all conditions during W Series’ first season helped all of the drivers focus on racing which produced lots of exciting on-track battles,” comments Chadwick. “This year will be an even bigger challenge as we visit eight new circuits with Formula 1, but I know that Hankook’s team will rise to the occasion again, allowing my competitors and I to shine on motor racing’s biggest stage.”

Racing at 8 F1 events

After last season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the W Series returns in 2021 and will again line up on Hankook race tyres – this time as an integral part of Formula 1 events. The calendar consists of eight rounds, which will be held parallel to the pinnacle of motor racing.

First up on 26 June is Le Castellet, in France. The 18 drivers will contest the season finale in their identical 270-hp Formula 3 cars on 30 October in Mexico. Before then, the series will also visit the circuits in Spielberg (Austria), Silverstone (Great Britain), Budapest (Hungary), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), Zandvoort (Netherlands) and Austin (USA).

Help drivers show what they’re capable of

“Hankook has vast experience in motorsport and has been an excellent partner since the start of our journey,” says Dave Ryan, racing director at W Series. “We know they will once again deliver excellent performance, both in terms of their tyres and the trackside support they provide, as we race at eight of the world’s most iconic circuits this season in partnership with Formula 1.”

Soo-il Lee, president and chief executive officer of Hankook Tire & Technology, adds: “Hankook has supported the W Series as exclusive tyre partner from day one because we want to help the young drivers find their feet and establish themselves in a motorsport world that is still male-dominated. We are pleased to be able to support the W Series again in 2021, now on the same bill as Formula 1. With the Ventus Race tyre, Hankook wants to help the drivers to show exactly what they are capable of on an international stage.”