Toni Gardemeister prepares for the Barum Czech Rally Zlin

Hankook’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) team are busy preparing for the Barum Czech Rally Zlin which takes place on the 26th – 28th August 2011 attracting crowds of up to 200,000 people.  Earlier this year, Hankook signed the Finnish rally driver Toni Gardemeister who shall be competing in the Skoda S2000 in what is regarded as one of the most difficult events on the IRC calendar.  

“The team have been busy preparing for this weekend by undertaking a 100km test drive in Poland.  This gave us the opportunity to set up the car and test the Hankook tyres which performed exceptionally well.  The Baram Czech Rally Zlin is a popular, tricky and very fast stage.  We are confident that we shall continue to improve our performance race by race and increase our championship standings.” said Toni Gardemeister.

Hankook UK Motorsport Manager, Mike Patterson added “We are looking forward to seeing how Toni and the team perform as the Barum Czech Rally Zlin which is renowned as one of the toughest IRC events.  To date they have been placed in the top ten in each stage and remain the highest placed private team in the IRC.  Toni has a tremendous wealth of experience driving in some exceptionally challenging terrains in both wet and dry conditions which has resulted in the proven success and performance of Hankook’s tyres.  So far the weather here is quite warm and dry therefore the Skoda S2000 shall be fitted with Hankook’s Ventus Z209 tyres.  The Ventus Z209 is a high performance tarmac rally tyre which provides exceptional traction on dry or damp road surfaces.  Should we see rain then the vehicle shall be fitted with Hankook’s Ventus Z213 which are specifically designed for wet road conditions.”