Hankook Tire’s iON Race masters São Paulo’s extreme conditions

- Hankook triumphs at Formula E season opener with sophisticated tire advancements
- The GEN3 Evo iON Race showcased excellent performance even in extreme condition
- The tire delivered exceptional performance with reduced rolling resistance, enhanced load-bearing capacity, and superior heat resistance

Seoul, Korea, December 10, 2024 — The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (hereafter Formula E) Season 11 officially began with an electrifying start as Mitch Evans (Jaguar TCS Racing) clinched a miraculous victory at the São Paulo E-Prix, fighting his way from last position on the grid to claim first place. The Anhembi Sambadrome Circuit came alive as the driver expertly navigated the track to see the checkered flag first, achieving a commanding victory.

On the 2.933-kilometer high-speed street circuit, 22 drivers engaged in one of the most intense duels, pushing their limits and captivating the audience with exceptional racing prowess. Despite the 42 degrees Celsius of extreme heat and humidity, the tires proved their optimal performance on the challenging street circuit layout - featuring three extended straights leading to sharp chicanes and 11 technical corners. Notably, the tires effectively managed the increased weight of the new GEN3 Evo machines - approximately three kilograms heavier than their predecessors - while delivering consistent grip and enhanced load-bearing capacity throughout the race.

Maximilian Günther (DS PENSKE) commented on the Hankook GEN3 Evo iON Race Tire: “The tire’s performance exceeded our expectations in these challenging conditions. The consistent grip levels throughout the race duration, particularly through the technical sections, gave us the confidence to push the limits. The heat management capabilities of these tires are particularly impressive.”

Young Soo Kim, Vice President of Motorsports Marketing Department at Hankook Tire & Technology (hereafter Hankook), stated, “Season 11 marks another milestone in Hankook’s Formula E journey, particularly with our enhanced GEN3 Evo tire technology. The São Paulo street circuit provides an excellent platform to demonstrate our latest innovations in sustainable racing. We expect this season to showcase how our continued technical advancement in Formula E contributes to the evolution of electric motorsport.”

The spectacular start of Formula E’s 11th season will continue on January 11, the first title-sponsored race by Hankook this season. Moreover, Hankook will also serve as the title sponsor for the Shanghai E-Prix (Rounds 10 and 11 double-headers) and the Berlin E-Prix (Rounds 13 and 14 double-headers), reaffirming its commitment to leading tire technology and sustainable motorsports.