WRC Tyres Explained: Gravel, Tarmac & Snow

When you really start to look at and pay attention to the world of motorsport and racing, you start to realise that there’s a lot more variety than you may have originally thought.

While F1 and track racing is one of the most famous examples of motorsport, off-road races and more complex WRC races have their own place in the spotlight and are popular with countless drivers. In this blog, we’re looking specifically at WRC Rally driving and the kinds of tyres that drivers need for this style of racing.

What is WRC Driving?

WRC driving is an international series, also known by its full name of the World Rally Championship. It was first established in 1973 and invites teams of two – a driver and a co-driver – to compete against each other in navigating a range of diverse and variable terrains.

An example of extreme driving in a competitive environment, WRC racing consists of a number of different surfaces which are all designed to test the car and the ability of the co-drive to support and talk their driving partner across the course. These surfaces include regular tarmac tracks, gravel, snow and ice – all of which test vehicles and their fitments in different ways.

Hazards and sharp bends are communicated by the co-driver who has a route guide in front of them, with information on what each track entails. This information can be used to keep the driver informed of what’s ahead and allow them to safely traverse the changing terrains and extreme conditions.

All of this is carried out under the pressure of a race environment, pitching the teams against each other as they race to accumulate points on how well they perform across the different stages.

What Tyres Does a WRC Vehicle Need?

You might be reading this and wondering how it is possible to navigate and traverse such a range of different terrains and tracks in just one vehicle. But that’s really where the heart of the sport lies.

The whole point of WRC driving and racing is to test the capabilities and the preparation of the teams. Only very premium and top tier vehicles are taken to WRC races, built to withstand the incredible challenges of such interchangeable environments, climates and driving conditions.

The difference between how a vehicle responds to the various terrains lies in the tyres that are selected. From smooth tarmac to off-road terrain and the low grip of snow and ice, all of the stages of a WRC race require different tyres with different tread patterns, constructions and features. Teams are required to select the best tyres for each stage of the race, to maximise the traction of the vehicle and thereby the safety of the driver, as well as the speed and performance in a race setting.

However, there is one important thing to note here – and that’s the market dominance of Hankook. Hankook is the official and approved supplier of WRC tyres, with its range confirmed as being safe and able to meet the demands of the sport. So, while you can browse a diverse range and selection of Hankook models, opting for this particular tyre brand is the top standard for WRC racing.

Can You Fit WRC Tyres to Your Car?

The complex build of WRC tyres means that while some of the models are geared towards high-performance driving on tarmac, they are not fit for long distance travel and certainly won’t offer the level of durability and consistent quality that regular drivers want.

Hankook does, however, offer a range of PCR-friendly tyres that balance performance with safety and functionality. You can browse these over on our Hankook brand page, or get in touch with the team for bespoke advice on finding the right tyres for you.