Hankook could replace Pirelli for 2020
- Published on 14 Jun 2018 09:26
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- By: Jeroen Jonkers
Hankook has entered the frame as F1's potential next sole tyre supplier.
In 2013, it was reported that the South Korean tyre marque had "several meetings" with then F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.
It came to nothing, but Germany's Auto Motor und Sport claims Hankook is once again in the frame.
Pirelli's current contract runs out in 2019, and it is rumoured that F1 intends to switch from 13 to 18 inch wheels for 2020 or 2021.
The German magazine said the FIA is currently collecting expressions of interest for the next sole F1 tyre contract to run from 2020 to the end of 2022.
"A decision will be taken in September," Auto Motor und Sport added.
Hankook already supplies tyres in the DTM and Formula 3 categories.
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Replies (9)
Login to replyBENNY DONKER
Posts: 1,976
Yes, please! No more Pirelli.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
You think Hankook are going to be better? The problem is the lack of technical direction and clear thinking encapsulate in the present contract. Thanks Bernie!
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I wouldnt mind that, Hankook tend to produce good high performance tyres. I would prefer Bridgestone, but they arent interested, and Michelin switches foot on the subject so oftent that they could win a marathon by just talking.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
2020 Nooo. 2019!!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Tyre manufacturers are always going to be unpopular in Formula 1. I remember the same excitement when Bridgestone was leaving. Pirelli just happens to be in F1 at an unfortunate time when tyres are meant to be bad to be "good" in the eyes of many fans. They want high degradation. But they also don't like it when drivers can't push. They want more pitstops, but then whine about the marbles left by tyres. Bridgestone left pretty angrily because they were similarly derided for other reasons. I wouldn't be surprised to see Pirelli do the same. Then it will be time to burn another bridge: Hankook
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Was it really as bad though? AFAIK, some where sorta pleased with them. And generally speaking, Bridgestone almost always outshone their competitors in the 2000's tyre war era. But I agree that there will likely always be some degree of disapproval of the tyres, but I really dont think it can get much worse. And Hankook has a decent track record, so chances are they could do it right. But I'd probably prefer some kinda tyre war.
RacetoWin
Posts: 95
For the past few years Pirelli has decided that it's their responsibility to dictate the racing and pitstops in F1. The fia said NO to minimum tire pressures yet Pirelli got their way because of safety reasons due to tire failures.
Pirelli did not fix the tire issue instead they created more compounds to add more pit stops. There should be no hyper soft or ultra soft tires as qualifying tires are banned in F1. Basically Pirelli is doing what ever it wants even if it's against the rules.
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
They do more than dictate the racing, with their Mercedes buddies they dictate the championship. Merc struggling? awww, lets modify the tyres for them just to help.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
It won't make a difference in afraid. As long as there is only one supplier, nothing will change because it's all about compromise between grip and durability. And you need more than one supplier for it to work because you really can't create it artificially in a meaningful way.
That being said, the tires aren't the reason why they can't overtake, because everybody's in the same boat. Until they fix the dirty air problem, not much will change.