2025 WRC Rally Sweden Embarks on its Icy Challenge with Hankook Tire’s Support

Global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) announced that the second round of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Rally Sweden, will take place from February 13 to 16 (local time) in Umeå, Sweden. Hankook Tire is the exclusive tire supplier for the WRC, one of the world’s top-tier motorsport competitions sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Rally Sweden is the only WRC event run entirely on snow and ice, making it a unique spectacle for motorsport fans. With rally cars clocking speeds of up to 200 km/h and revving to 8,500 rpm, maintaining optimal grip on icy, slippery terrain in extreme sub -25°C temperatures is a key strategic factor in achieving peak performance.

The 300 km-long Rally Sweden consists of 18 special stages, featuring a demanding combination of snow-covered roads and icy surfaces. This year’s event is set to be even more unpredictable, with technically challenging snow sections, sudden weather shifts, and three newly added stages adding to the complexity of the competition.

For this rally, Hankook Tire will provide stable support with Winter i*Pike SR10W, equipped with specialized stud pins for optimal traction on icy surfaces.

Developed through over 2,000 km of rally-stage testing since 2023 in close collaboration with the FIA and participating manufacturers, these rally tires are optimized for winter surface performance. Equipped with specialized stud pins designed for ice rally conditions, they ensure superior control on icy and snow-covered roads. The asymmetric tread pattern further enhances grip and braking performance on snow surfaces.

Meanwhile, Sébastien Ogier of the Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team currently leads the championship standings after achieving a historic milestone—his personal 10th victory at Rallye Monte Carlo, making him the first driver in WRC history to do so. His teammate, Elfyn Evans, and Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team’s Adrien Fourmaux are also in close contention, contributing to a competitive field battling for the season championship title.

As the intensity of the 2025 WRC season builds, Hankook Tire continues to drive the future of motorsports and supports the development of young drivers by sponsoring both the WRC and its feeder series, the Junior WRC. With Rally Sweden marking the opening round of JWRC, all eyes are on the next generation of rally talents as they take on the challenge, setting stage for the exciting season.

Throughout both events, Hankook Tire plans to enhance its premium brand presence by showcasing the global ‘Hankook’ brand through various on-site activations, including the service park, special stage sections, rally cars, and key promotional areas. Additionally, the company aims to enhance its engagement with motorsport fans worldwide through social media and its official motorsports website.

Por: Joan Heo