Motorsport
Hankook and Formula E celebrate partnership launch
2022. 09. 28
- Presentation of the new iON race tire in The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Austria
- Roughly 30% of the new Gen3 tire is made from sustainable materials
- Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E, looks forward to working with Hankook
Seoul, Korea/Neu-Isenburg, Germany, September 28, 2022 – As of next season, Hankook will be the new and exclusive technical partner and tire supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. At an event in The Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Austria, Hankook officially presented the newly developed Hankook iON race tires to guests and representatives of Formula E, as well as the international media.
The new tire has been developed in close cooperation with the racing series and is particularly aimed at meeting the sustainability needs of Formula E and the future of e-mobility, without compromising motorsport performance, of course. Nearly 30 percent of the new tire, which is specially tailored to the third generation of Formula E race cars, is made of sustainable materials. The Formula E teams currently have access to a tire variant that can be used in both dry and wet conditions, in order to further save resources. Furthermore, the long durability of the tire is another pioneering step. After the respective race weekends, Hankook completely recycles every set of tires ensuring the championship is as sustainable as possible.
The first-time motorsport fans will see the Hankook tires in race conditions will be at the Mexico City E-Prix on January 14, 2023, where 40,000 spectators are expected to fill the grandstands for what will be the first race in the new Gen3 era. Further information about the company’s engagement in Formula E can be found on the newly created Hankook motorsports website under www.hankook-motorsports.com
Sooil Lee, President & CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology said, “A good three years ago, we at Hankook decided to become official technical partner and tire 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 tire 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.”
Consumers, in particular, benefit from the development of the new Hankook Formula E race tires highlighted by the race to road technology transfer. With its range of new iON road tires for both summer (Hankook iON evo) and winter (Hankook iON Winter) use, the premium maker offers products for resource-friendly mobility to be fitted on modern, premium electric cars. A significantly lower rolling resistance for more km per battery load, high traction, even on wet roads and very good braking power for top safety and a high level of durability notably reflect the demands that electric cars place on their tires.
Image (from left): Sooil Lee, President & CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology, Hyunbum Cho, Chairman of Hankook & Company, Alejandro Agag, Chairman Formula E, Jamie Reigle, CEO Formula E.
