Photo: Fotospeedy
Euroformula has announced it has ended its lengthy partnership with Michelin and will now have Hankook as its spec tyre supplier.
The Formula 3-level series used Dunlop tyres from its inception until the end of 2014, then has had its cars fitted with Michelin’s rubber for the last eight seasons.
Eurformula promoter GT Sport describes the new deal with Hankook as “a technical and commercial partnership”, and so far it is only for the upcoming 2023 campaign.
Hankook currently supplies tyres for Formula E, Formula Regional Oceania and Spanish Formula 4, and has also signed a contract with the new FRegional-based Eurocup-3 series aiming for the same market of drivers as Euroformula.
“We are delighted to start cooperating with Hankook Tire, a key global player in motorsports,” said GT Sport CEO Jesus Pareja.
“I am sure it will play a crucial role in the success of the present and future of Euroformula Open. The tests conducted so far with the Dallara 320 prove that the performance, reliability and drivability standards of their tyres are perfectly in line with the Euroformula requirements.”
Hankook Europe’s motorsport director Manfred Sandbichler added: “Promoting young talent is an essential part of the Hankook Motorsport DNA. Working with GT Sport as the exclusive tyre partner of the Euroformula Open is a perfect fit for us. We look forward to supporting this exciting racing series as a tyre partner.”
Euroformula had initially planned to move from 13-inch to 17-inch wheels this year with Michelin, with the tyre manufacturer instigating the change so its future racing tyres would be more representative of road-going rubber and automotive trends such as larger wheels. It also intended to reduce its production of 13-inch tyres.
However the changes that moving to larger wheels would have then required to the design of Euroformula’s Dallara 320 car meant that plan did not go ahead. Hankook will be supplying 13-inch tyres for the series’ existing wheel assemblies.