Hankook Unveils Cutting-Edge Tires for 2026 FIA World Rally Championship at Rallye Monte-Carlo

Hankook Takes Center Stage at the 2026 FIA World Rally Championship

Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., a prominent player in the global tire industry and a notable subsidiary of the Hankook & Company Group, is gearing up to launch its 2026 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) commitments at this year’s Rallye Monte-Carlo. The opening round of the championship is set to take place from January 22 to 25, traversing the stunning landscapes of Monaco and France.

As the exclusive tire supplier for the championship, Hankook will play a pivotal role in this thrilling motorsport season, providing its high-performance rally tires designed to weather the demanding conditions characteristic of the WRC. The tires are developed through close collaboration with each participating manufacturer and adhere to rigorous FIA standards, thus guaranteeing exceptional performance in varying rally circumstances.

Rallye Monte-Carlo has a legacy of unpredictability and challenge, making it a quintessential start to the season. The event boasts a combination of diverse terrains—you will see tarmac, mud, snow, and ice—where strategic tire choice can be the deciding factor in a rally's outcome. This year’s rally will cover 17 special stages, totaling 339 kilometers of racing, and both driver expertise and tire capability will be thoroughly tested.

For this exhilarating season opener, Hankook will provide specialized tarmac and snow tires featuring the latest innovations in motorsport technology. Among them is the Ventus Z215, engineered for precise handling and excellent stability on dry surfaces, ensuring durability throughout the challenging stages. Meanwhile, for the snow and ice sections, team members will rely on the *Winter icept SR20* tire, available in both studded and non-studded variants, optimized to deliver outstanding traction on course conditions often found during the winter months—essential for any serious competitor in the event’s icy terrains.

Moreover, throughout the 2026 WRC campaign, Hankook aims to enhance its presence at critical events by launching ‘Brand World’ booths at select service parks including the Croatia Rally and the Vodafone Rally de Portugal. Additionally, the ‘Stage Hospitality’ program will provide fans and partners with immersive brand experiences designed to enhance the overall event atmosphere and showcase Hankook's premium offerings. This is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Hankook's position as a leading global brand in the motorsport arena.

The company is also dedicated to increasing its engagement with motorsport fans around the world. Expect real-time updates, insights, and thrilling rally stories to be shared directly via its official motorsport website and through social media channels.

Since becoming the exclusive tire supplier for all WRC classes in the 2025 season, Hankook has systematically fortified its technological edge, benefitting from exposure to global motorsport dynamics. This year's competition is anticipated to be fierce, with a total of 14 rounds planned across four continents: Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia, officially kicking off with the prestigious Rallye Monte-Carlo.

As the countdown to the championship begins, Hankook is clearly positioned to not only provide the tools needed for success on the road but also to deliver a thrilling fan-first experience throughout what promises to be an exhilarating rally season ahead.

Image credit: Hankook Tire*