W Series renews the exclusive tyre supply partnership with Hankook, as the Ventus Race tyres will be employed for the third year in the all-female championship.
W Series' third season of on-track action will also be the third year of partnership with tyre manufacturer Hankook, which started its involvement in the first ever all-female championship when the series made its debut alongside DTM in 2019.
The cooperation was renewed in 2021, as W Series hosted its races for the first time as part of the Formula 1 support programme.
On the eve of the start of the 2022 season - which will get underway in a few day's time at Circuit de Montmelo, Barcelona, with a three-day collective test - W Series announced the extension of the partnership, as the high-end Ventus Race tyres will continue to be fitted on the Tatuus T-318 Formula Regional cars at eight F1 weekends.
“We have supported W Series with our Ventus Race since day one, as we were totally convinced by the concept" - commented Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe. The company has in fact embraced the W Series project and its philosophy of supporting female athletes in motorsport.
"Therefore, we are delighted to remain the official tyre partner for this unique formula racing series for women. Many of the drivers are familiar with the Ventus Race and know that they can rely one hundred percent on the Hankook race tyre at every circuit. This security helps them to make the most of their talent on the global stage provided by the top-flight Formula 1", Sandbichler added.
Hankook tyres have been particularly praised by drivers for their consistency and predictability, an important feature in feeder series.
“W Series has made huge steps since its inaugural season in 2019, and as one of our founding partners Hankook has played a significant role in the success of the series" - said Catherine Bond Muir, W Series' CEO. "Last season saw some brilliant on-track action in a variety of weather conditions, as we joined the global stage of Formula 1."
"The momentum behind W Series’ mission continues to grow and, with the support of all our partners, 2022 is set to be a very exciting year for us.”
The championship is set to further expand its calendar in 2022, with two rounds on American soil and first visits in Mexico and Japan.
After this week's tests in Barcelona, the full drivers' line up will be announced, with 7 potential new candidates eager to join the series on the F1 support bill.
The first round will get underway in May, in conjunction with F1's first ever Miami Grand Prix.
