**Hankook Ready to Take on WRC’s Tyre Challenge in Monte Carlo**
The World Rally Championship is gearing up for its season opener in Monte Carlo with a significant change in the tyre supplier. Hankook, the new control tyre supplier for the WRC, is set to make its competition debut in one of the championship’s most demanding rallies. Despite some concerns from drivers about the winter tyres needing more development, Hankook is confident in its product and ready to tackle the unique demands of the WRC.
**Confidence and Challenges Ahead**
As the WRC’s new tyre supplier, Hankook has been diligently preparing for its debut in Monte Carlo. The Korean firm has developed a range of asphalt, gravel, and snow tyres to meet the diverse needs of the championship. With 3,800 kilometers of testing on all surfaces and collaboration with top WRC teams like Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport-Ford, Hankook is confident in its readiness for the competition.
European motorsport director Manfred Sandbichler expressed his team’s confidence ahead of the debut, emphasizing their preparedness for the event. Despite the challenges that may arise, including changing weather conditions, Hankook is optimistic about its performance in Monte Carlo.
**Driver Feedback and Concerns**
While drivers have voiced some concerns about the winter tyres during pre-event testing, they are overall content with the slick tyres provided by Hankook. Adrien Fourmaux from Hyundai noted the need for further development on the winter tyres but highlighted the importance of reliability in the tyres. Toyota’s Elfyn Evans also shared his feedback, mentioning the challenges posed by the snow tyres in difficult weather conditions.
Sandbichler acknowledged the mixed feedback from drivers and teams during the development process but assured that Hankook has a “Plan B” in place to address any issues that may arise. The collaboration with manufacturers and teams has been fruitful, providing valuable insights for further improvements in the product.
**Flexibility and Adaptability**
Sandbichler emphasized the importance of flexibility and listening to driver feedback in the tyre development process. With the understanding that entering a championship at this level comes with challenges, Hankook is prepared to make necessary adjustments to ensure the best performance in the WRC.
As Hankook gears up for its competition debut in Monte Carlo, all eyes will be on how the new tyres perform in one of the most demanding rallies of the championship. With a combination of confidence, preparation, and adaptability, Hankook is ready to take on the WRC’s tyre challenge and make its mark in rallying’s top tier.
