Tire supplier Hankook says it is considering developing a special tire for the Rally Greece following a race heavily affected by punctures.
For the Rally Greece, Hankook brought a redesigned, reinforced gravel tire following criticism of its previous specification after the Rally Portugal.
Both drivers and teams welcomed the updated tire as a clear improvement, particularly in reducing tread delamination. However, punctures remained a major problem.
Only Sébastien Ogier of Toyota and Josh McErlean of M-Sport Ford completed the rally without experiencing a tire puncture.
Ogier believes the next step should be developing a tire specifically for the Rally Greece.
“"As in the past, specialized tires would be the real solution."”
“The tires we used in Portugal wouldn’t have been able to finish a single stage here, so it’s clearly a step forward,” said Ogier. Motorsport.com‘'a. "But we also saw that the real solution in these extreme conditions, as in the past, is a tire specifically designed for this location," he added.
Hankook did not reject this offer.
“I think it’s definitely worth considering. Of course, everything has consequences, and I’m not just saying that from my own perspective. It’s certainly something to be evaluated, and it’s come up a few times. Since it’s been mentioned by prominent figures, it’s worth thinking about,” said a Hankook representative.
According to the company, developing a specialized tire would be a huge project, but it remains possible if the idea has broad support.
“Of course, it means a lot of work, but that’s what we do anyway. So, if we think it’s important for the sport and there’s broad support for it, it’s something we can consider.”
Neuville: "The problem is two-sided."“
Hyundai's Thierry Neuville suffered a major blow to his championship hopes in Greece after experiencing two tire punctures in the penultimate special stage.
Neuville believes the problem cannot be solved simply by improving the tires.
“I was asked whether the organizer should review the roads or the manufacturer should develop the tires; I think a little bit of both.”
“I’ve driven with many different tires over the years and I know what’s possible, what they can do. I think there’s room for improvement on both sides. Maybe the roads should be a little smoother, and the tires a little more durable. They’re going through a tough test here.”
M-Sport supports Hankook.
M-Sport Ford team principal Richard Millener defended Hankook, pointing out that today's Rally1 cars place unprecedented loads on the tires.
“The only way you can look is to go to a Greek rally a few years ago where Pirelli was present and see how many blowouts they had, and how many we've had here. I'm almost certain the results won't be that different.”
“The cars are faster than ever, the drivers are pushing harder than ever, and the temperatures are extremely high. As the cars evolve, the tires are subjected to even more stress.”
Millener also emphasized that Hankook had successfully addressed one of its biggest concerns.
“If you look at it, there wasn’t any serious delamination over the weekend, which I think was a big concern. They were worried about it and they worked very hard to bring the new hard tire here to make things better; and they succeeded.”
He believes the tire manufacturer also deserves credit.
“I keep saying it: all the equipment and all the information they give to the teams and the media is far superior to anything we’ve ever had. We shouldn’t wear them down too much. They have a tough job, and when something goes wrong, the blame will always fall on the tire.”