#Spain #Madrid #Formula E #iON Race #Hankook

Hankook's iON Race Heads to Madrid for Formula E's Longest Circuit

Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., renowned for its innovative tire designs, is gearing up for an exciting challenge as it prepares for Round 6 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship Season 12. The highly anticipated event will take place on March 21, 2026, at the Circuito del Jarama, marking Hankook's debut at one of Spain's historic racing venues.

Located just north of Madrid, the Circuito del Jarama boasts a rich racing history and will officially join the Formula E calendar this season after its initial experience during pre-season testing in Season 11. With a length of 3.934 km and 14 challenging turns, Jarama becomes the longest circuit in Formula E history, surpassing previous tracks by approximately 400 meters. The complexity of this layout demands consistent energy management and adept regenerative braking, intensifying the need for drivers to adopt effective strategies while testing the limits of Hankook's iON Race tires.

In addition, this race introduces a unique set of challenges with the inclusion of PIT BOOST, a mandatory pit stop that provides drivers with a 10% energy boost to their batteries in just about 30 seconds. This feature has been integrated into a single-header event for the first time since its introduction during Season 11. Also returning is the ATTACK MODE, which will be available once for a duration of six minutes. These elements significantly emphasize tire consistency and energy management throughout the extensive 23-lap race format, which adds a strategic layer to the competition for both teams and drivers alike.

Hankook faces a notable technical challenge at the Jarama event. While data gathered during pre-season testing is valuable, the conditions experienced during the race may differ vastly concerning ambient temperatures and track surface characteristics. With rapid directional changes and sustained cornering loads, the race will put immense stress on the tires, emphasizing the need for predictable warm-up behavior, controlled thermal response, and stable traction during both qualifying and race conditions.

Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, stated, "Madrid represents exactly the kind of challenge that tests every aspect of tire performance. The combination of high-speed corners and limited straight sections, along with the introduction of PIT BOOST, creates a unique race dynamic. Since teams will be working from a limited data baseline, the iON Race tire is engineered to deliver consistent grip and stable thermal performance across a broad operating window, ultimately aiding competitive and closely contested racing."

As race weekend approaches, excitement builds with Free Practice 1 set to kick off on March 20, followed by the highly anticipated race day on March 21. The event will conclude with a Formula E Rookie Test on March 22, providing development drivers with invaluable track time to further enhance performance at the challenging Jarama circuit.

In summary, Hankook’s iON Race tires are finely tuned for the unique demands of the Circuito del Jarama, offering stability and performance that will be critical throughout this historic race weekend. Enthusiasts can expect a thrilling showcase of electric racing prowess in Madrid as the teams strategize their moves on this expansive and fast-paced circuit.