Hankook has developed new tires for the WRC

This week, at the Kenya Rally, which is considered one of the most challenging stages in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, the new Hankook Dynapro R213 soft gravel tires will make their debut, retaining the tread pattern but differing in the modified rubber compound composition and internal structure.

The tires were developed taking into account the opinions of pilots and manufacturers, and at Hankook, which last season first acted as the exclusive tire supplier for the WRC, they note that the elasticity of the compound at low temperatures has been improved, which enhanced grip on wet and other slippery surfaces, while the modified design helps the tires adapt to the terrain and increases their durability in the most challenging and unpredictable conditions.

According to Hankook representative Steven Cho, the developers focused on improving the tire's characteristics in cool and wet conditions while maintaining their durability when used on uneven surfaces.

"The development of the new tires has been ongoing throughout the past year," he said. "Essentially, since the moment it was announced in 2024 that we would become the supplier, we have been constantly working to improve the technical characteristics of the tires in close collaboration with the FIA and manufacturers. This particular model was created taking into account numerous feedback from manufacturers and pilots who have begun to better understand our product."

Cho added that the original version of the gravel tires proved their durability, but the championship participants would like the company to improve their properties in certain conditions.

"One of the key points is that the first version presented last year was generally well received, that is, if you don't take into account the most challenging races and situations where punctures are inevitable, the tires confirmed that they possess the necessary strength and reliability," he noted. "At the same time, the drivers also said that it would be nice to increase the compliance of the design. Moreover, they wanted a greater difference between hard and soft compound tires, as well as improved grip at low temperatures, especially on wet or moist tracks."

The 2026 Kenya Rally will take place from March 12 to 15.