Hankook Tire Steals the Spotlight at WRC’s Canary Islands Debut
Global tire leader Hankook Tire & Technology cemented its rally dominance as Round 4 of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Rally Islas Canarias, concluded with a resounding showcase of technical excellence. Held April 24–27 on Spain’s volcanic Gran Canaria, the event marked the rally’s inaugural WRC appearance and Hankook’s Ventus Z215 and Z210 tires emerged as the unsung heroes, powering drivers through searing heat, winding roads, and unpredictable conditions.
A Rally Built for Tire Innovation
Transitioning from its storied European Rally Championship (ERC) roots to the WRC stage, Rally Islas Canarias posed a brutal test of asphalt mastery. The 301.3-kilometer route18 stages of narrow coastal roads, mountain passes, and a fan-favorite Super Special Stage in Las Palmas demanded precision, adaptability, and tire resilience. Hankook’s role as the WRC’s exclusive tire supplier took center stage, with its Ventus lineup engineered to thrive under extreme pressure.
Ventus Z215 and Z210: Mastering Every Condition
Hankook’s tarmac-specific tires proved pivotal in the rally’s outcome:
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Ventus Z215: Built for dry asphalt dominance, this tire delivered unmatched cornering stability and handling precision, enabling drivers to attack high-speed bends with confidence.
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Ventus Z210: Optimized for wet conditions, its advanced tread design ensured rapid water evacuation, maintaining grip even during sudden weather shifts.
Amid surface temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) and sharp elevation changes, the tires’ reinforced compounds resisted wear, allowing Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä to dominate 15 of 18 stages. His victory by a 53.5-second margin showcased how Hankook’s technology translates to podium success.
Rovanperä’s Triumph: A Tire-Driven Comeback
The Finnish driver’s commanding performance not only secured his first 2025 win but also highlighted Hankook’s role in championship battles. “The tires were consistent and reliable,” Rovanperä emphasized after climbing from sixth to second in the standings. “In these conditions, that’s everything.” Teammate Elfyn Evans extended his championship lead to 43 points, while Toyota’s 1-2-3-4 finish underscored the synergy between team strategy and Hankook’s tire excellence.
Hyundai’s Struggles Highlight Tire Criticality
While Toyota celebrated, Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 cars grappled with handling issues linked to differential settings. Adrien Fourmaux’s fifth-place finish over 2.5 minutes behind Rovanperä underscored how even minor setup flaws can derail a rally. In contrast, Hankook’s tires provided Toyota crews with the consistency needed to excel, cementing the brand’s reputation as a WRC game changer.
Sustainability Meets Speed
Beyond performance, Hankook reinforced its commitment to eco-conscious innovation, aligned with six consecutive years on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. The rally served as a platform to showcase how high-octane motorsport and environmental responsibility coexist in Hankook’s global strategy.
Next Stop: Vodafone Rally de Portugal
The WRC shifts to gravel on May 15–18, where Hankook’s tires will face soft sands, rocky trails, and capricious weather. As the series’ exclusive supplier, the brand’s three-year partnership continues to push boundaries, leveraging insights from Formula E, endurance racing, and over 2,000 kilometers of global testing since 2023.
Final Lap
Rally Islas Canarias was a testament to Hankook Tire’s engineering prowess. In a sport where milliseconds decide victories, the right tire isn’t just equipment; it’s the edge. And in 2025, that edge belongs to Hankook.
