Neu-Isenburg/Germany, January 10, 2017 – The preparations of premium tyre maker Hankook for the start of the season in the Persian Gulf began back in November of last year. Almost 10,000 race tyres – 7,000 slicks and 2,500 rain tyres – were loaded onto a ship and sent on their way to Dubai. The black gold arrived in the largest city in the United Arab Emirates last Saturday. In order to be able to offer all the teams perfect service at all times, roughly 50 employees will be in action for the exclusive tyre partner at the Dubai Autodrome.
“Our mechanics will be working in three shifts on five assembly lines. The Hankook race engineers will be available at all times, should the teams have any issues regarding the tyres and set-up. As at all the rounds of the 24H Series powered by Hankook, we are providing one standard compound for all tyre sizes at the season-opener in Dubai. As such, we are, as much as possible, ensuring everyone in the field has the same opportunity,” said Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe.
The 5.39-kilometre Dubai Autodrome is one of the most modern circuits in the world and, with its long, asphalted run-off zones, is regarded as one of the safest racetracks. The sand plays a key role at this 24-hour spectacle. Manfred Sandbichler: “The amount of sand on the track depends on the wind and the weather. These different track conditions affect the performance of the tyre, and the drivers must adapt to this. Last year, it even rained in Dubai. This meant that the mixture of water and sand did not flow off the track at all, but remained standing on the racing surface. The Hankook rain tyre and the slick, which has obviously been used far more, have passed these tests with flying colours and have always impressed at the opening motorsport event of the year in Dubai. We have received nothing but praise from the teams.”
99 cars have registered for the 2017 Hankook 24H Dubai: from Renault Clios and MINI right up to the big GT3s, all types of car are represented. As in previous years, top manufacturers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Porsche will be in action at the 24-hour highlight in the desert. “All the big names will be at the season-opener in Dubai, and the motorsport world will be watching. We want to offer the different car types and manufacturers optimal support with our wealth of experience in the field of endurance racing. In doing so, we will also showcase the performance of our premium products. The organiser Creventic is a fantastic partner, with whom we work together perfectly and are always able to develop new formats,” said Manfred Sandbichler.
Among these formats are also the inaugural Hankook 3x3H Dubai for prototypes, which will be held on 10th/11th January as an official promotional race on the same bill as the bit 24-hour race. 18 cars have registered so far for the first event of this type, which features LMP3 cars, Group CN cars and special prototypes with similarly high performance levels. Three races, with a length of three hours each, are scheduled in Dubai. Hankook Motorsport Director Europe: “The Proto Series powered by Hankook is an outstanding addition. For the first time, we will now also be able to watch prototypes at the Hankook 24H Dubai. After Dubai, the new race format will continue with 12-hour races at further four stops in Europe. The finale will take place at Spa-Francorchamps in October.”
