The FIA (Fdration Internationale de lAutomobile) has appointed Hankook as the official tyre supplier for the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship. The companys renowned Ventus line of ultra high performance tyres will be used in Z-type specification for tarmac and R-type specification for gravel rallies on identical Ford Fiesta R2 cars throughout the season. Junior WRC, comprised of six events, is another prime opportunity to demonstrate tyre quality and performance while supporting young talent.
Neu-Isenburg / Germany, 04 April 2013Tyre manufacturer Hankook has been appointed the official supplier for the forthcoming 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship season by the Fdration Internationale de lAutomobile (FIA). The Ford Fiesta R2 cars used in the series will race on Hankooks renowned Ventus Z rally tyres for dry/wet tarmac rallies and Ventus R for gravel events. All three tyre types feature optimised tread patterns especially designed for front-wheel drive cars. Detailed tyre specifications and the number of tyres to be provided to competitors will be announced prior to each of the six rounds of the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship.
We are delighted to have been selected as the Official Tyre Supplier to the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship. This is a prime opportunity for Hankook to demonstrate the quality and performance of our successful Ventus line of ultra high performance tyres now on a global rally stage. says Hee-Se Ahn, Hankook Tire Vice President for Marketing & Sales in Europe. Applying the highest standards of quality in terms of safety, handling, performance and environmental friendliness is key to our development philosophy. We are excited to be part of this long term strategy for the development of worldwide rallying talent and fully expect that the young drivers being put through their paces in this years Junior WRC Championship will greatly appreciate the controlled driving experience that our tyres provide.
Jarmo Mahonen, FIA Rally Director commented: We are delighted to confirm Hankook Tire as the Official Tyre Supplier to the 2013 FIA Junior WRC Championship. The company has developed a strong reputation for its motorsport products in recent years. In addition to their desire to demonstrate their products in one of the toughest environments in motorsport, Hankook has also embraced the concept of nurturing and educating the rallying stars of the future. We look forward to seeing them work alongside M-Sport and our 2013 crop of Junior WRC candidates.
The recently renamed FIA Junior WRC Championship is designed to be accessible and cost-effective, and as well as learning their craft on the stages, competitors will continue to take part in a comprehensive training and tuition programme to maximise their potential both in and out of the cockpit. Furthering their education, competing Junior WRC drivers will attend specialist tyre training sessions with Hankook motorsport technicians/engineers, learning about the differing performance and handling characteristics of their supplied tyres, as well as the general importance of tyre management both on event and under normal road driving conditions.
###Junior WRC Rally Calendar 2013:1. Vodafone Rally de Portugal 11 - 14 April2. Acropolis Rally 31 May - 02 June3. Neste Oil Rally Finland 01 - 03 August 4. ADAC Rallye Deutschland 22 - 25 August 5. Rallye de France-Alsace 03 - 06 October 6. RallyRACC-Rally de Espana 24 - 27 October
