Hankook to supply tyres for DTM races

Effective immediately, Hankook Tire is the exclusive tyre supplier to the international touring-car series DTM. The contract recently signed between the tyre manufacturer and DTM umbrella organisation ITR is initially slated to run for three years, which which means the Korean company will remain committed to the championship through its transition to the new technical regulations, due to be implemented in 2012."We are very happy with the long-term partnership with premium tire manufacturer Hankook. During the negotiations prior to signing this contract, it already became apparent how motivated those in charge at Hankook are while dealing with the DTM project," said DTM boss Hans Werner Aufrecht in a press statement."The DTM is one of the most professional racing series around. Together with Audi and Mercedes-Benz, two of the world's most successful premium car manufacturers, the DTM represents top-level international motor sport," said Jin-Wook Choi, Executive Vice-President and European head of Hankook Tire."That's why we are very pleased at the trust and confidence that event organisers, vehicle manufacturers, and teams have placed in us and our brand, and we are proud to have been selected as the exclusive tire partner for the years to come. Now we will focus all our efforts on bringing our motto 'Driving Emotion' home to global fans of the DTM as well, and on demonstrating the superior quality of our products," he concluded.Currently the seventh largest tyre manufacturer worldside, this exclusive partnership with the most popular international touring-car series heralds a new era in the motor sport activities of Hankook Tire. In recent years, the company had focused its track racing motor sport activities on long-distance events including the 24-hours classics in Le Mans and on the Nürburgring. From now on the DTM will form the core of the international Hankook motor sport activities in the years to come. It looks like the Koreans are making waves not only in car manufacturing but in tyre technology as well. What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below!