New record distance set at 24H Barcelona on Hankook tyres  

The latest Ventus Race tyres proved their mettle at Hankook 24H Barcelona. The winners, IMSA LS Group Performance, clocked an impressive and record-breaking 725 laps on their #76 Porsche 911 GT3 R, equipped with Hankook Ventus Race C54 H.   

Testing the track 

The 24H series European finale was hosted at the Formula 1 circuit, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The race series, powered by Hankook, is an endurance classic and the coarse asphalt and unique kerbs of the Catalonian circuit offer the perfect environment for Hankook to premiere its latest model. 

The winning team 

IMSA LS Group Performance set the new record – at a dizzying 725 laps around the 4.657 km track – at Hankook 24H Barcelona. The team, composed of Julien Andlauer, Grégory Guilvert, Simon Tirman, and Laurent Hurgon, stole the victory in a Porsche 911 GT3 R with Hankook’s Ventus Race C54 H.  

The race, like the track itself, was not without its challenges. It was a three-way heat of IMSA LS Group Performance, the Haas RT team, and Herberth Motorsport. But, under the cover of darkness, the IMSA LS Group Performance team rose to premiere position. However, it wasn’t plain sailing until the finish, as the Haas RT Audi team attempted to pip the victors at the post but lost out by 1:37 minutes. It was a double podium finish for Porsche, however, as its Porsche 911 GT3 R enjoyed first and third place (with Herberth Motorsport). 

Tyre-fic performance from Hankook 

The new Ventus Race C54 H is slightly lighter than its predecessor but proved its good durability on the coarse track surface at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. 

As Manfred Sandbichler, Hankook Motorsport Director Europe, noted: “The new race tyre did exactly what it was supposed to. Everything went to plan, even at a circuit like Barcelona, which is challenging for the tyres." 

And Sandbichler wasn’t alone in singing the tyre’s praises. From the winning team, Hurgon added his perspective from the driver's seat: “You could really push for several laps during a stint on the new Hankook tyre. It is precisely the right tyre for endurance racing.” 

While you won't be equipping your own road-vehicle with Hankook’s new Ventus Race tyres, Hankook have proved their expertise at providing grip on even the toughest surfaces. Hankook use these experiences to hone its tyre performance, ultimately delivering improved grip and strength to tyres like the Ventus S1 Evo 3 and Ventus V12 Evo 2. 

Hero image: Racing Pixels - Hankook Tire Europe GmbH