Press Release

  • Motorsport

Formula E season opener: the Hankook iON Race masters extreme São Paulo conditions

  • GEN3 Evo iON Race excels in the Brazilian heat
  • The newly developed tyre delivers exceptional performance with reduced rolling resistance and superior heat resistance
Formula E season opener: the Hankook iON Race masters extreme São Paulo conditions

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 12 December 2024 – Electrifying opener to the 11th season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship: Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) clinched a memorable victory in the opening race of Season 11 at the Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit in São Paulo, fighting his way from last position on the grid to claiming first place.

On the 2.933-kilometre high-speed street circuit, 22 drivers engaged in an exciting race, captivating spectators with exceptional racing prowess. Despite the extreme 42-degree heat and high humidity, the tyres proved their full potential on the demanding street circuit featuring three extended straights, sharp chicanes and 11 bends that demanded a high level of driving skills. In spite of the increased weight of the new GEN3 Evo vehicles compared to their predecessor, the tyres performed impressively and offered a consistently high level of grip throughout the race right up to the flag.

Tyre exceeds expectations

Maximilian Günther (DS PENSKE) commented on the Hankook GEN3 Evo iON Race: “The tyre’s performance exceeded our expectations in these challenging conditions. The consistent level of grip throughout the race, particularly in the technically demanding sections, boosted our confidence to push to the limit. The heat management of this tyre is particularly impressive.”

Young Soo Kim, Vice President of Motorsports Marketing Department at Hankook Tire & Technology, stated: “Season 11 marks another milestone in the Hankook Formula E journey, particularly with our enhanced GEN3 Evo tyre technology. The São Paulo street circuit provides an excellent platform to demonstrate our latest innovations in sustainable racing. We expect this season to demonstrate how our continued technical advancement in Formula E contributes to the evolution of electric motorsport.”

The spectacular opener of Formula E’s 11th season will be followed by the race in Mexico City on 11th January, of which Hankook will be the title sponsor for the first time in the new season. Hankook will also be the title sponsor of the Shanghai E-Prix (double-header race 10 and 11) and the Berlin E-Prix (double-header race 13 and 14).

For decades, Hankook has been one of the first ports of call when it comes to international motorsport. Hankook supplies its race tyres to globally-renowned series, high-class junior formats and popular grassroot events. With new collaborations and partnerships, the company is constantly enhancing its status as a global player on the motorsport scene. Since the 2023 season, Hankook has been the new and exclusive technical partner and tyre supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. In close cooperation with Formula E, the iON Race was developed for the world championship. Roughly 30 percent of the high-performance tyre is made of sustainable materials. With this commitment, Hankook is taking another pioneering step towards energy efficiency and sustainability in motorsport. The premium tyre maker has also agreed a further collaboration with Italian sports car manufacturer Lamborghini Squadra Corse and has been official technical partner and exclusive tyre supplier of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo since 2023. Hankook’s portfolio covers a broad spectrum. This includes the 24H Series powered by Hankook, one of the most prestigious endurance series in the world, as well as the FIA ERC4 Junior Championship on the rally scene. Hankook also supports popular touring car championship TCR Italy, many high-class one-make cups for a wide range of renowned manufacturers, junior single-seater series, and assorted international racing events with race tyres and technical know-how.

You can find more information at https://www.hankook-motorsport-media.com

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Formula E season opener: the Hankook iON Race masters extreme São Paulo conditions

55 HUGHES Jake (gbr), Maserati MSG Racing, Maserati Tipo Folgore, action during the Sao Paulo ePrix, 1st round of the 2024-25 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, on the São Paulo Street Circuit from December 4 to 7, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Photo Julien Delfosse / DPPI

File size: 5 MB

Formula E season opener: the Hankook iON Race masters extreme São Paulo conditions

São Paulo Street Circuit from December 4 to 7, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Photo Julien Delfosse / DPPI

File size: 1 MB