Hankook, a global player in the world of motorsport, has added another top-notch partnership to its portfolio. The company is now the exclusive tyre partner of the FIA Junior European Rally Championship, a championship for highly-talented young rally drivers that is held as part of the FIA European Rally Championship.
From the upcoming season, Rally4 category cars will use Hankook high-end rally tyres, which are visually similar to the production model and have front-wheel drive and around 210 horsepower. This move demonstrates the company's commitment to its corporate philosophy and youth development program, which it is bringing into the rally scene.
The FIA European Rally Championship is the oldest ongoing rally series in the world, making its debut in 1953. Many well-known drivers have utilized this championship as a launching pad to the World Rally Championship. The ERC calendar for this season consists of eight rallies in eight European countries.
The FIA Junior ERC, established in 2014, serves as a platform for young talents to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. This season, competitors in the Junior ERC will compete in six rounds, with the first event taking place in Poland on 20th/21st May and the final round in Hungary on 7th/8th October.
The winner will receive a spot in next season's FIA Junior World Rally Championship, which has been a breeding ground for future rally stars for years.
Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe, stated, "With this new partnership, we are consistently continuing our approach of supporting young talent in all areas of motorsport. The FIA ERC is the strongest rally series in Europe and has produced many stars. Against this backdrop, the FIA Junior ERC provides young drivers with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level and in professional conditions. I am eager to follow the progress of individual drivers on our high-end rally tyres, which have been proven in all conditions, and to have an exciting season together."
Hankook's latest partnership reinforces its commitment to supporting young talent in all areas of motorsport. With the FIA Junior ERC, the company is providing young drivers with a unique opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level and in professional conditions. As the exclusive tyre partner of the championship, Hankook is excited to follow the progress of individual drivers on its high-end rally tyres, which have been proven in all conditions.
