Nuremberg/Germany, 10th July 2019
In 2011, Hankook made its debut as the official partner and exclusive tyre supplier in what is probably the most popular international touring car series. Since then, the premium manufacturer has made continuous developments to the DTM race tyres in four increments and provided the DTM drivers with the optimized support of their high-performance potential and extreme safety.
The significantly higher stresses this season, that results from the new generation of turbo-charged DTM cars with more than 600 horsepower, has by no means affected the performance of the Ventus Race by Hankook. Incidentally, the race tyre of the premium tyre maker, as a constant factor for the new, considerably more powerful cars built according to the international “Class 1” regulations, has not been changed.
Gerhard Berger, Chairman of the ITR: “This early contract extension is the expression of a successful and trusting collaboration with the premium tyre maker Hankook. For the DTM as a technology and marketing platform, it is important to have a global player like Hankook by our side, with whom we can break new ground and make continuous developments to the series. I look forward to a further four exciting years with our exclusive tyre partner Hankook.”
Han-Jun Kim, President of Hankook Tire Europe: “We are proud to have extended the contract with the fastest touring car series in the world by four years, before it was up for renewal. This is the longest collaboration between a tyre supplier and the DTM ever. Hankook has proven its high standard of technology and logistics with its high-end Ventus Race tyre line in the international and professional environment of the DTM since 2011. With this contract extension, Hankook is intensifying its global presence in motorsport. We are pleased to be able to continue to work innovatively and in partnership with the DTM in the years to come.”
Another important factor in this long-standing cooperation is the outstanding collaboration between the Hankook engineers and the automobile manufacturers Aston Martin, Audi and BMW. The premium partnership between Hankook and the DTM has made for spectacular, thrilling races at every track in all kinds of conditions in the past. The continuation of this successful model guarantees motorsport at the highest level in the future in what is probably the most popular international touring car series.
The premium automobile manufacturers involved in the DTM also welcomed the early contract extension with exclusive tyre partner Hankook:
Dieter Gass, Head of Motorsport Audi: “I’m delighted with the extension of the tyre partner by another four years in the DTM. We have been working together very professionally and successfully since 2011. Hankook provides us with high-quality race tyres and is placing confidence in the series with the contract extension.”
Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director: “Continuity with partners is always good for a race series. Which is why it is positive that the cooperation between Hankook and the DTM is entering the next phase. We’re looking forward to continue the collaboration.”
Dr. Florian Kamelger, Team Principal R-Motorsport / Aston Martin: “In the nine years or so of their collaboration, Hankook and the DTM have become a model partnership, which is no doubt unrivalled in professional racing sports. The global tyre partner delivers exemplary quality without which the high level of competition present in the DTM would be inconceivable. With our Aston Martin Vantage DTM we have had good experiences with Hankook in our maiden season and the support from the Hankook engineers is exemplary and invaluable for a DTM rookie like us. We look forward to the further great collaboration and wish the partners Hankook and the DTM a continued, successful collaboration.” |
