Hankook becomes 4th ERC tyre supplier in 2023

The FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) will include four tyre manufacturers in 2023, following the announcement that Hankook is producing a tyre range homologated for the series. The ERC sees the addition of Hankook tyres alongside those from Michelin, MRF and Pirelli as a move that “reinforces the strength” of the championship. The Hankook tyres will first see action at Rally Serras de Fafe in Portugal from 10 to 12 March.

“We are delighted to welcome Hankook to the ERC,” says ERC championship manager Iain Campbell. “This reinforces the high regard that our championship is held in globally. Hankook is a renowned producer of rally tyres and it is absolutely fantastic that we can showcase their range in Europe’s premier rally series.”

“With this new co-operation, we are consistently continuing our approach of supporting youth in all areas of motorsport. The FIA ERC is the strongest rally series in Europe and has produced many stars,” adds Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook motorsport director Europe. “Against this setting, the FIA Junior ERC offers young drivers the unique opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level and in professional conditions. I look forward to following the development of the individual drivers on our high-end rally tyres, which have been tried and tested in all conditions, and to an exciting season together.”

R&D platform

Announcing Hankook’s entry into the championship as tyre supplier, the ERC comments that it is “not only a renowned launchpad” for up-and-coming drivers aiming to take the next step towards the FIA World Rally Championship, but is “just as importantly a proven research and development platform” for the automotive industry. “This is reflected by the fact that four globally-recognised tyre producers are now utilising the championship as an in-competition testing ground for their products.”

Hankook is actively involved in more than 50 series in 2023. The tyre maker’s portfolio covers a broad spectrum. This includes the FIA Junior ERC Championship, for which Hankook will become the control tyre provider, with the first of six rounds taking place at ORLEN 79th Rally Poland on 19 – 21 May.