Hankook grips on to DTM association

South Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook has agreed a three-year extension to its partnership with the DTM German touring cars series.

The new agreement will cover the 2017, 2018 and 2019 DTM seasons. The two parties’ existing deal was due to expire at the end of the 2016 campaign.

Under the agreement, Hankook will continue to supply DTM’s three manufacturers – Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz – with high-performance tyres. The deal will also grant the company extensive brand exposure.

“The trusting cooperation with Hankook, the performance capability of the company and its tyre technology has led to us extending our partnership with Hankook,” Hans Werner Aufrecht, chairman of DTM promoter ITR, said. “With regard to further internationalisation and future technical regulations, the professionalism which we have come to know and expect from our tyre partner Hankook is a major factor.”

The 2016 DTM season began in Hockenheim at the weekend. Hankook first teamed up with the series in 2011.