Hankook tests Fiesta 2000 ahead of IRC campaign

Norwegian rally ace Andreas Mikkelsen has just completed the first full test of the Hankook Fiesta S2000 he will drive on selected IRC rounds this year –starting next month in Sardinia.

And the team has also revealed striking the striking Hankook logo which will be visible on the sides, front, back and roof of the car which will be run by M-Sport. In addition to tyre manufactuer Hankook, Eurosport will be a major sponsor for the programme of events.

“It’s been a key week for the team with completion of the new livery and an extremely successful test in Cumbria,’’ said Hankook UK motorsport manager Mike Patterson. “M-Sport has produced an excellent car and together with the tyres we believe we have a great chance of success in the IRC rounds we are contesting.’’

Andreas and co-driver Ole Fløene will be competing on seven selected rounds of the IRC (Intercontinental Rally Challenge) in the Hankook Ford Fiesta S2000.

Andreas said he was extremely pleased with the test after completing more than 100km of gravel testing. “We already know the Fiesta is good and the Hankook tyres perform well so it was great to combine these two elements in an extremely thorough test,’’ said Andreas. “The day was vital to our programme and gives the whole team confidence ahead of the IRC programme.’’

The car receives its first official outing on Rally d’Italia-Sardegna with four stages set to be shown live by Eurosports Events as part of six hours of planned television coverage.

“This will be a high profile debut for the Hankook IRC and we are really looking forward to seeing how we perform,’’ said Mike Patterson.

Rally d'Italia-Sardegna is a new addition to the IRC schedule in 2010. Based in the town of Olbia in the north-east of the Italian island, the action will get underway with a ceremonial start in the capital, Cagliari, on the evening of Friday 4 June.

Saturday’s opening leg, which features six stages, is based around the town of Oristano before crews reach Olbia on Saturday evening ahead of the final six stages on Sunday. The total competitive distance will be 218 kilometres.

The Hankook IRC programme also includes Belgium, Azores, Czech Republic, San Remo, Scotland and Cyprus.