Paffett and Ekström test Hankook tyres for DTM

Gary Paffett and Mattias Ekström tested new Hankook tyres at Hockenheim earlier this week. The current tyre contract with Dunlop ends after this season and a switch to Hankook for 2011 is likely.
“I expected more problems, but all of the compounds were pretty good,” said Paffett to Autosport after the test.

One of the main issues with the switch for 2011 is the frozen regulations which hinders the manufacturers from developing the cars for the new tyres.

“The grip was fine, and the balance was pretty similar to what we have at the moment. That’s important, because we have a development freeze for next year as well so we can’t have a big change in the tyres,” said Paffett.

The two drivers tested five different compounds of the tyres during the test day. A final decision of the tyres for next year is expected before the new year.