Tyre giant Hankook heads to the Czech Republic this month as it steps up its testing programme in preparation for a full assault on the Intercontinental Rally challenge (IRC) in 2010.
Hankook is working with world renowned preparation company MSD to run the Opel Corsa OPC Super 2000 with testing now well underway.
The preparations move to the Barum Czech Rally Zlin later this month with Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen at the wheel alongside co-driver Ola Fløene.
Andreas sees the move to a Super 2000 car as a gear opportunity. “The future of rallying at the top level will be with Super 2000 cars and it will be good to be part of a team committed to this in the future,’’ he said.
The 20 year old made his stage debut in the UK when he had just turned 17 and has quickly made a name for himself as a fast young charger with a mature attitude on the world rally stage.
“MSD has done tremendous development work on the Corsa and testing behind closed doors has show us that with the Hankook tyres we have a great package,’’ said Hankook motorsport manager. “Competing on selected rounds which are part of the IRC this year will give us the added bonus of testing the car in competition conditions and assess every part of our plans for 2010.’’
The demanding asphalt roads on the Barum Rallyon the rally are set to provide a comprehensive test for the car with the mix of slow and technical sections and fast straights providing the perfect combination for MSD and Hankook to gain valuable data.
Later this year the team is set to contest events in Spain, San Remo and Scotland to complete testing ahead of 2010.
“The mix of rallies chosen for 2009 will give the team valuable experience on both asphalt and gravel surfaces and ensure maximum opportunity for tyre development before the 2010 season gets underway,’’ said Mike.
For MSD the opportunity to work with Hankook on rallies counting towards IRC points provides valuable development work for the team.
David Whitehead, managing director of MSD said, “Success at this level means many hours of development and we are fortunate to be able to contest selected rounds ahead of the full assault next year which should put us in a very competitive position.’’
The Barum Czech Rally Zlin gets underway on August 21
