Toyota sweeps WRC driver and manufacturer titles on Hankook tires

Hankook Tire & Technology said Tuesday that the 2026 World Rally Championship season finale, Rally Italia Sardegna, concluded Sunday (local time) near Alghero on the Italian island of Sardinia. Hankook Tire serves as the exclusive tire supplier for the FIA-sanctioned series.

The event was contested across 17 special stages covering 307.02 kilometers. Held in autumn for only the fourth time in the rally's history, the October timing made unpredictable weather a key variable affecting whether crews could finish. Narrow, winding roads hemmed in by dense brush and trees — compounded by blind crests that limited visibility — meant a single mistake could reshuffle the standings.

Hankook Tire said tire durability and handling stability proved decisive throughout the event. The iconic "Micky's Jump" section, deeply rutted tracks and sharp rocky surfaces all tested equipment to its limits.

The company supplied its Dynapro R213 extreme all-weather rally tire for the event. The tire absorbed heavy landing impacts on jump sections while maintaining grip and handling performance at high speed, helping drivers complete the course.

Toyota Gazoo Racing's Oliver Solberg took the race win — his third of the season and second consecutive, following his victory at Round 12, Rally Chile. Teammates Sebastien Ogier and Sami Pajari finished second and third, respectively.

Toyota had already clinched the manufacturer championship at Rally Chile. Elfyn Evans, who finished fifth in Sardinia, secured his first career WRC drivers' title with 243 points, edging Solberg by five points.

Hankook Tire exclusively supplied racing tires across all WRC classes from the season opener, Rally Monte Carlo, through the finale in Sardinia. The company showcased tire performance across a wide range of conditions — from snow and ice to tarmac and rough gravel.

Hankook Tire plans to apply driving data gathered at rally events this season to its research and development efforts to strengthen its high-performance tire technology. The company said it will continue validating tire performance at motorsport events around the world to reinforce its standing as a global top-tier brand.

Hankook Tire sells tires in more than 160 countries through four regional headquarters and more than 30 overseas offices. More than 85 percent of its total sales come from international markets, cementing its position as a global company.