DTM Promoters and copyright holder ITR, and tyre maker Hankook, have officially extended their existing and successful cooperation, active since 2011, for another three years.A corresponding contract was signed following the international DTM press conference for the opening of the season at the Hockenheim ring. As usual, Hankook will continue to deliver their premium performance racing tyres from the Ventus Race DTM range to the three car manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz.
“The trusting cooperation with Hankook, the performance capability of the company and its tyre technology has led to us extending our partnership with Hankook. With regard to further internationalization and future technical regulations, the professionalism which we have come to know and expect from our tyre partner Hankook is a major factor,” said Hans Werner Aufrecht, Chairman of DTM Promoter ITR e.V.
Ho-YoulPae, Hankook’s Head of Europe, said at the signing, “DTM is the most successful touring car series internationally. The direct involvement of the three premium manufacturers Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz means that there is no similar power density anywhere else in motor sport, particularly at the highest technical level possible. We are proud that DTM will enter a new era from 2017 with us as their exclusive tyre manufacturer. We will continue to reinforce their trust in us.”
The team managers of the committed car manufacturers, including DTM Head Dieter Gass from Audi Sport, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, and Head of the Mercedes-AMG DTM Ulrich Fritz,have shared their approval.
The tyre maker has been active in international motorsports since 1992, and has participated in international motorsport circuit racing, amongst others, with DTM, the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, the 24 H Endurance Race or the TCR Series in Germany, Italy and Portugal, as well as diverse Formula 4 races.
With regard to the extended contract, Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook’s Motorsport Director Europe, said “DTM is one of the top class motor sport series from around the world. It attracts many hundreds of thousands of visitors to race tracks every year, and it is broadcast in more than 175 countries. DTM’s extension of the contract with Hankook is testament to our technological know-how with tyres, which has been developed over 20 years of racing sport experience.”
The 2016 DTM season, which kicked off today, traditionally begins on the 4,574 kilometre long Hockenheim ring, where Hankooktyres’ success stories will by the end of the weekend have been shown at 60 DTM races: in the 58 DTM races so far, the Ventus Race DTM tyre has constantly showcased its best side. Hankooktyres offer outstanding performances even under difficult conditions, with a consistency and safety which leaves a lasting impression.
Source: Hankook Tire