In a remarkable achievement, Formula E, in collaboration with Hankook, has set a groundbreaking speed record and secured its spot in the prestigious Guinness Book of Records.
The event took place during the run-up to the season finale of the fully-electric racing series in Great Britain on July 29th and 30th. British Formula E driver Jake Hughes, representing the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team, piloted the remarkable GENBETA, a GEN3 car modified by Formula E partners Hankook and SABIC, among others. This prototype car, boasting an impressive 400 KW power output, enabled the 29-year-old driver to achieve a remarkable milestone a speed of 218.71 km/h on a 346-meter indoor straight track. The record was set on a specially modified Hankook iON Race tyre, in the presence of an official Guinness World Records adjudicator, adding a momentous achievement to Formula E's legacy.
As the official tyre partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Hankook played an instrumental role in making this record-breaking feat possible. The key to this achievement lay in the development of the Hankook iON Race tyre, which was specially tailored for this ambitious record attempt. Utilising a softer compound, the engineers ensured quicker heat build-up within the iON Race Formula E development tyre, enabling it to reach its optimal working temperature faster than the tyres used in regular Formula E races. Manfred Sandbichler, the Hankook Motorsport Director, expressed his delight, stating, "What a great project and a magnificent record. We are delighted to have played an important part with our Hankook tyre, and that together we were able to smash the previous record by more than 50 km/h. The modified compound allowed the tyre to develop a lot of grip very quickly, which was one of the keys to this success."
The world record attempt took place at the ExCeL London Event Arena, the official Formula E circuit for the 2023 Hankook London E-Prix. This unique indoor and outdoor racetrack provided the perfect setting for this historic endeavor. Crowds witnessed the GENBETA car propelled by Hankook tyres, gracefully streaking across the track, leaving a trail of excitement and anticipation. The venue will continue to captivate racing enthusiasts as it hosts the finale of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, where the 2023 Formula E world champion will be crowned.
