Hankook has expanded its presence in rallying with the announcement of a partnership with Portugal Rally Series 2025.
The agreement, which follows Hankook’s arrival as the World Rally Championship’s sole tire supplier at the top of the season, was announced at last weekend’s official test day for Portugal’s all-new five-round series in Fafe.
Chief motorsport engineer at Hankook, Thomas Baltes, told DirtFish: “We are here for our first official test day event with our gravel tire – which we have improved for the last 12 years – and with the WRC testing program. We’re now approaching new markets with the same or very similar product [to the WRC tire].
“It’s a big, big honor to be here at the Hankook Rally Series Day and test our new gravel tires for this application, in different cars, different classes here in Portugal which is, from the gravel side, one of the most demanding places besides Greece. This is a big chance for us to show the performance from our tires.”
Hankook’s representative in Portugal, Paulo Ferreira, added: “We are very excited to become official partners of Portugal Rally Series 2025. This project offers a unique platform for us to demonstrate the performance and quality of our tires in national competitions. We believe this partnership will be mutually beneficial, allowing us not only to support motorsport but also to develop our products in real competitive conditions.”
Further details of next week’s opening round of Portugal Rally Series 2025 were revealed last week. The Baltar event will offer a recce, shakedown and autograph session with fan activities on Saturday February 22, before the competition begins on Sunday morning with the first of six stages – four of which run within the Fibromade Arena.
That Arena will also house the fanzones, a cornerstone of the Rally Series philosophy. Families and fans alike will be welcomed with simulators, stalls and plenty of entertainment.
Series promoter André Lavadinho said: “This is going to be an exciting season, with unique challenges and opportunities for everybody involved. The collaboration with Hankook will be one of the key pillars of this success.
“It’s a great honor to have such a prestigious brand as Hankook in the Rally Series. This partnership reflects our vision of raising the level of competition and providing even better conditions for the drivers.
“Hankook brings not only a guarantee of quality, but also a commitment to innovation and investment in new and promising projects, which is essential for the growth of motorsport.”
Talking specifically about next week’s Baltar event, Lavadinho added: “Baltar is now one of the iconic, spectator-filled spots of Rally Portugal. It’s not a long stage, but it’s a classic that draws a lot of people – it’s so spectacular and can serve nicely as an appetiser for drivers and fans of the action we’ll see here in May [for Rally Portugal].”
