German Touring Cars opt for Hankook

The German-based DTM series will be racing on Hankook tyres for the next three years. The contract begins immediately and takes account of both the current ITR rules and new DTM regulations which start in 2012.

The news comes after the brand's recent focus on circuit racing, especially long-distance sports car events. Last year, a Ferrari F430 GT2 shod with Hankook tyres finished second at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race.

Hankook says the exclusive contract will see its tyres feature on the wheels of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz race cars across a range of countries including Austria, China, England, Netherlands and Spain, forming the core of its international motorsport activities.

"The DTM is one of the most professional racing series around and represents top-level international motor sport," said Hankook's chief marketing officer, Hyun Shick Cho.

"That's why we are very pleased at the trust and confidence that the series organisers - two of the world's most successful premium car manufacturers in Audi and Mercedes-Benz - and the race teams, have placed in us and our brand."

ITR Chairman Hans Werner Aufrecht says the series is excited to have the Korean manufacturer on board.

"During the negotiations, it already became apparent how motivated those in charge at Hankook are in dealing with the DTM project. The performance of the race tyres also convinced everyone involved right away," said Aufrecht.

Hankook is currently the seventh largest tyre manufacturer in the world, and with a recent 500 million Euro investment in its Hungarian production facility, aims to rank fifth by 2014.

The DTM series begins at the Hockenheim GP circuit on May 1.

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