‘Dynapro’ Takes on Volcanic Ash and Gravel Roads as Hankook Tire Enters WRC Rally Chile Biobío

[Financial News] Hankook Tire & Technology will put its Dynapro rally tires to the ultimate test on Chile’s unpaved mountain roads, which are covered in volcanic ash and gravel. Through the World Rally Championship (WRC), held as a South American doubleheader following Paraguay, the company aims to firmly demonstrate its technological edge as the exclusive racing-tire supplier on the global motorsports stage. By fully supporting the rough-road challenge that could prove pivotal in the late-season championship battle with its own technology, Hankook Tire is strengthening its position in the mobility-parts market.
Hankook Tire, a key affiliate of the Hankook & Company Group, announced on the 9th that it will exclusively supply racing tires for WRC Round 12, WRC Rally Chile Biobío, taking place around Concepción, Chile, from the 10th to the 13th local time.
Now in its fifth year, WRC Rally Chile Biobío is based in Concepción, the second-largest city on the Pacific coast, and features a 311.18-kilometer course running through the forest roads and hilly terrain of the Bío Bío region. Its 16 special stages are characterized by successive high-speed corners on a firmly packed gravel surface containing volcanic-ash particles and small stones. Because of the rough terrain, the tire tread and sidewalls face substantial physical stress, making high durability and wear resistance essential.
Hankook Tire will support the competing vehicles with its Dynapro R213, an extreme all-weather rally tire. The product is designed to absorb impacts from the road surface and maintain consistent grip through high-speed corners. To respond quickly to local road conditions and changing weather, Hankook will supply the tires in two compounds—hard and soft—helping each team manage its strategy.
Following the recent Rally Paraguay, this event will form a South American doubleheader and is expected to become a key battleground in the late-season standings race. Sami Pajari of Toyota Gazoo Racing, currently on 196 points, is closely pursuing championship leader Elfyn Evans, who has 216 points. Tire-performance management on the rough surface is therefore expected to be a major factor in determining the outcome.
Hankook Tire exclusively supplies tires to all WRC classes organized by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The company plans to steadily build technological credibility in the global racing-tire market based on field data accumulated in harsh environments, including mud and gravel.
[email protected] Dong-ho Kim Reporter