Photo: Audi Sport

Hankook to introduce new tyre compound in this year’s DTM

The DTM’s tyre supplier, Hankook, has developed a new compound which will accompany the new technical regulations as they come into force this season.

The manufacturers involved in the series, Audi, BMW and Mercedes AMG, had asked that the new tyres help facilitate more overtaking, as well as play a more crucial role in race strategy.

The South Korean manufacturer, who’ve renewed their agreement with the DTM until the end of 2019, have been testing the fourth generation of the Ventus Race DTM tyre, which is softer than last year’s tyre, and generates more grip which should lead to more overtaking. The new compound also has a higher level of degradation, which will be a key element in race strategy.

The tyres were developed during 2016 and have been run in the two pre-season tests held in Jerez and Portimao.

Another challenge for the DTM drivers will be getting the rubber to work quickly, as tyre warmers will be banned this season. The wet tyres will be the same as last season.

Mattias Ekström said: “The structure seems somewhat harder and the rubber is significantly softer. This leads to very exciting road performance and significantly faster lap times when you get the tyre working for you properly.”

BMW driver Augusto Farfus highlighted the performance changes as the compound wears off: “The new tyre offers more grip than its predecessor; however the so-called ‘drop’ is higher too which will guarantee more interesting races. As the driver, I have a certain influence on this drop which is exciting.”

Mercedes driver Gary Paffett expects the new tyre to facilitate on track battles: “The changes mean a bit less downforce, but the tyres will have slightly more grip. That should make it possible to get closer to the guy in front, so racing should be that bit more exciting.”

Hankook Motorsport director Manfred Sandbichler added: ““As in the past, we have done a good job fulfilling the 2017 specification, as feedback from the latest tests confirms. This means another exciting season awaits in terms of tyres.”

The teams will head to Vallelunga next week for the first pre-season test from the 14th to the 17th of March.