DTM extends Hankook tire deal until end of 2016

DTM at Eurospeedway in 2012

The DTM has announced it has extended its tire supply deal with Hankook until the end of the 2016 season.

The South Korean manufacturer replaced Dunlop as the series' sole supplier at the start of 2011.

"The first two years of our partnership with Hankook absolutely convinced us of the competitiveness of this company," said DTM Boss Hans Werner Aufrecht.

"Therefore, it was absolutely clear for us that we want to continue this successful partnership beyond 2013. The early extension of the deal is the logical consequence.

"We all are keen on finding out how the new option tire will prove of value, this year."

For the first time, the DTM will introduce Formula 1-style option tires this year in the hope of boosting the spectacle.

"The use of two different tire compounds in the race certainly will make for more action and more overtaking maneuvers," Aufrecht added.

"We have to thank the Hankook engineers: we asked them to design a tire that allows for faster lap times for a short period of time but with a quickly decreasing performance level afterwards. And they delivered in great style."