Hankook is evaluating the development of a dedicated tyre for the Acropolis Rally following a spate of punctures during the WRC event in Greece. The extreme conditions on the Greek stages contributed to failures that reshaped the rally's final result, prompting the tyre manufacturer to reassess its approach.
The punctures, caused by rocky and abrasive terrain, impacted multiple competitors and altered the championship standings. While Hankook did not specify the exact number of failures, the issue was widespread enough to warrant a technical response from the Korean tyre supplier.
The WRC's sole tyre provider now faces pressure from teams and drivers to improve durability on the notoriously harsh Greek roads. Hankook's current all-surface tyres struggled with the combination of high temperatures, sharp rocks, and high-speed sections that define the iconic event.
Hankook has not committed to a timeline for developing a new tyre, stating only that it "may consider" the option after analyzing data from the rally. The decision will depend on technical feasibility and commercial viability, as a dedicated Acropolis tyre would require separate production and homologation.
A Hankook representative acknowledged the need to evaluate whether the cost and complexity of a specific tyre are justified, given that the Acropolis Rally is a single event on the calendar. No formal development programme has been announced yet.