Hankook Begins F1 Tyre Development Program

The race for the new tire contract for F1 from 2020 has begun. Korean tire manufacturer, Hankook takes on Italian giants, Pirelli. For Hankook, it is a prestigious project. An F1 contract would make the Korean manufacturer well-known worldwide. The FIA ​​has given Hankook the green light after a detailed investigation. The Korean manufacturer is technically and logistically able to build F1 tires. That was the condition for being able to take part in the bidding process against Pirelli .

The F1 management is now catching up on the financial offers of the two tire manufacturers. Pirelli sporting director Mario Isola confirms: “Our president has already clarified our position. I do not want to add anything to that. We have our point of view and will make an offer. I think Pirelli has done a good job over the last eight years and always did what we wanted. “

Is there already a fear that Hankook Formula One is worth a much higher bid , which would bring Liberty and the teams more money? Formula One management will scrutinize the two commercial offers. The process has no official deadline , but should be completed by the end of October. Whoever gets the contract, must still be approved by the FIA ​​World Council.

Hankook is already preparing for Formula One at full throttle. As a consultant, the former Bridgestone race director Hirohide Hamashima was set. The Japanese has good contacts to the World Association and the rights holders. His word will have weight. The new development centre in Daejeon impressed the FIA ​​examiners. It is equipped with the most modern tire test stands. Here, the FIA ​​could also convince themselves that Hankook can build safe tires. These tests take place exclusively on test benches.

But Hankook is already testing on the racetrack. Excluded from the public. The Koreans have bought a 2011 Williams FW33 with Cosworth engine. In addition a Formula 2 car, which they converted to the current tire widths of the formula 1.

If the choice falls on the Koreans, they would have to resort to a more recent test car, with which one can also simulate the torque of the hybrid drives. It will be difficult. To drive the hybrid monster, it needs a technician staff of up to 10 people. The teams can not provide this, because that would mean a knowledge advantage for the corresponding team. Hankook would be waiting for a big job anyway. They would need to build 13-inch tyres in 2020 and 18-inch wheels a year later. This is doubly difficult for a newcomer.

It is also worth noting that the FIA will not make any decision on the 2020 F1 tyre supplier situation until the end of October.