Hankook Tires Withstand 50°C Heat at WRC Acropolis Rally

The grueling conditions tested the limits of the Dynapro R213, Hankook’s specialized all-terrain rally tire. As the exclusive supplier for the WRC, the company provided hardened and soft compounds to manage the dramatic degradation of gravel paths. Drivers faced a unique challenge: the initial pass offered loose, shifting gravel, while the second pass stripped the surface down to jagged rocks and deep ruts. Hankook’s high-strength casing proved critical in maintaining steering precision throughout the 17 special stages.

Sébastien Ogier secured the overall victory, marking his return to the top of the Acropolis podium for the first time since 2011. The result tightens the competition as the championship shifts to Estonia in July, where the focus will move from heat-induced durability to high-speed forest stages. Elfyn Evans currently leads the standings with 158 points, holding a narrow advantage over Toyota teammate Takamoto Katsuta.