DTM exclusively using Hankook racing tires

Hankook Tire is the exclusive tire supplier to the international touring car racing series DTM.
The three-year contract signed between the tire manufacturer and DTM umbrella organization ITR, is already in its second year.
In the current year, it covers the supply of equipment not only to the current Audi and Mercedes-Benz teams but also to other vehicle manufacturers (BMW).
This exclusive partnership with the most popular international touring car series heralds a new era in the motor sport activities of Hankook Tire, currently the seventh largest tire manufacturer worldwide.
Hyun Shick Cho, chief marketing officer of Hankook Tire, said: “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.”
Hans Werner Aufrecht, first chairman of the board, ITR e.V. (DTM commercial rights holder and promoter), said: “We are very happy with the long-term partnership with premium tire manufacturer Hankook. Personally, I am happy that we have found another international corporate group that is willing and able to keep our high pace and our quality standards as an exclusive supplier in the years to come. Hankook has everything it takes for that.”
Wolfgang Ullrich, head of Audi Motorsport, said: “We are looking forward to a good cooperation with the DTM’s new tire partner.”
Norbert Haug, VP Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, said: “Hankook is an ideal partner for the teams and manufacturers of DTM.”
Mattias Ekstrom, DTM driver (Audi), said: “I am really looking forward to the upcoming season with the new Hankook tires.”
Jamie Green DTM driver (Mercedes-Benz), said: “My first impressions of the new DTM tires are all positive. Hankook has identified the requirements for a DTM tire properly and managed to provide us with a tire with high grip level and good load capacity right away.”