February 24, 2020 |
Hankook is exclusive tyre partner of the new DTM Trophy racing series
With the start of the 2020 motorsport year, Hankook has entered into another partnership with a promising new racing series. The premium tyre maker will supply the new DTM Trophy with the high-end Ventus Race tyre and provide on-site support starting with the 2020 season. Hankook have agreed a four-year contract with the DTM umbrella organisation ITR, which will promote the new GT series. The new race format will feature on the support program at seven rounds of the DTM, which is arguably the most popular international touring car series, and which Hankook has supported as exclusive tyre partner since 2011.
The DTM trophy will make its debut when it will share the bill with the DTM in Zolder, Belgium from the 24th to 26th April this year. The final round will take place in Hockenheim from 2nd to 4th October.
The new race series is open to professionals, amateurs and juniors. It is designed for production-based GT cars with rear-wheel drive in the FIA groups E2-SH and E2-SC, which all the manufacturers involved in motorsport have available. Hankook will supply all the teams with its successful Ventus Race tyre and will also provide the necessary expertise with its engineers and mechanics, who will attend every race weekend.
Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe: “For us, as a long-term partner of the DTM, it was a logical step to continue our successful cooperation in the DTM Trophy. As a tyre partner for GT series around the world, we have the expertise required for this format. We also have a vast wealth of experience when it comes to junior series and can offer the teams and drivers in the DTM Trophy the best possible support. We are looking forward to exciting new challenges at the DTM weekends, when fans can expect even more spectacular motorsport.”
As in the DTM, the DTM Trophy schedule will include two free training sessions on the Friday. Both Saturday and Sunday will feature a 20-minute qualifying and 30-minute race. The top three in the overall standings at the end of the season will be rewarded with an attractive amount of prize money. The winner receives € 75,000, the runner-up takes home € 50,000, and the third-placed driver will receive € 25,000. The DTM Trophy not only offers drivers aged 22 and under the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage, in front of big-name manufacturers and teams, but the fastest junior will also receive a test drive in a DTM car at the end of the season.
The DTM Trophy not only offers drivers aged 22 and under the opportunity to showcase their talents on an international stage, in front of big-name manufacturers and teams, but the fastest junior will also receive a test drive in a DTM car at the end of the season.
ITR Managing Director, Achim Kostron: “The prize money on offer to the top three overall and the chance of a DTM test for the best junior are unique incentives to enter the DTM Trophy. We are also delighted to have acquired the services of our long-term partner Hankook for our new support series. This ensures that all the competitors will not only receive the very best material for safe and attractive motorsport, but also the good Hankook service we have become accustomed to at the racetrack.”
Source: Hankook
