Hankook becomes Formula E technology partner and tyre supplier

At the end of September Hankook announced that, as of next season, it will be the exclusive technology partner and tyre supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The announcement was made at an event in The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Austria on 27 September, where Tyres & Accessories was present to witness Hankook being officially presented with the newly developed Hankook iON race tyres.

Hankook’s turn towards Formula E follows between two and three years of pre-research and coincides with the development of the company’s iON electric vehicle tyre range, which seeks to capitalise on the development opportunities provided by top-flight electric vehicle racing. Hankook reports that the new iON race tyre has been developed “in close cooperation” with the racing series and is particularly aimed at meeting the sustainability needs of Formula E.

To that end, nearly 30 per cent of the new tyre, which has been tailor-made for the third generation of Formula E race cars, is made of sustainable materials. And what’s more, Formula E teams currently have access to a tyre variant that can be used in both dry and wet conditions, in order to further save resources. In addition, after race weekends, Hankook recycles every set of tyres in a bid to ensure the championship is “as sustainable as possible”.

The first-time motorsport fans will see the Hankook tyres in race conditions will be at the Mexico City E-Prix on 14 January 2023, where 40,000 spectators are expected to fill the grandstands for what will be the first race in the new Gen3 era.

Sooil Lee, president and CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology commented: “A good three years ago, we at Hankook decided to become official technology partner and tyre supplier of what is arguably the most progressive, modern and sustainable racing series in the world from the 2023 season. The philosophy of the Hankook brand and our strategic orientation towards an increasingly sustainable future also reflect the spirit and DNA of Formula E. Together, we will advance and significantly influence the development of modern motorsport over the coming years.”

Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hankook to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. We are proud to partner with a global player recognised as a top tyre manufacturer that lives and breathes motorsport as a fundamental aspect of its corporate philosophy. Hankook’s vast experience working with race teams at circuits around the world, its pioneering innovation and commitment to sustainability make it a perfect match for the championship and our new Gen3 car.”