Inside Hankook’s development process for WRC rubber
As the official tyre supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship, Hankook manages a rigorous development cycle at its Technodome facility in Daejeon, Korea. The research center, which employs over 1,000 staff, serves as the nerve center for designing tyres that must withstand extreme conditions ranging from icy Scandinavian stages to the abrasive rocks of Greece. Developing a new specification typically spans 12 to 18 months, involving complex blending of up to 15 different chemical compounds.
Looking ahead, the manufacturer is preparing to expand its rally lineup. New additions include the SR20A winter asphalt tyre, featuring enhanced groove designs for slush evacuation, and the SR11 studded ice tyre, which promises improved handling and stud retention. Testing for these products is currently underway using Rally1 machinery, ensuring that innovations developed under competitive pressure can be refined before official entry.
Beyond performance on the stages, Hankook emphasizes the logistical and methodological benefits of its WRC involvement. Engineers note that while the specific demands of rally tyres are unique, the rapid-response development cycles and problem-solving strategies directly influence the company’s broader research. By cultivating top-tier talent in the high-stakes WRC environment, the firm applies these high-performance learnings to improve processes across its entire product range.
