Hankook Formula E takes center stage as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship arrives in Jeddah for Rounds 4 and 5 of Season 12 on February 13-14, 2026. The double-header event marks a thrilling return to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, where back-to-back night races will unfold under the floodlights of the adapted Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., the leading global tire company of Hankook & Company Group under Chairman Hyunbum Cho, announced its readiness to support the demanding nighttime racing conditions with its advanced iON Race tire technology. The Seoul-based company has engineered its tires specifically to handle the unique challenges presented by Formula E’s regenerative braking systems and energy-efficient racing dynamics.
Jeddah Circuit Presents Unique Technical Challenge
The 3.001-kilometer Jeddah Corniche Circuit has been specially adapted from its Formula 1 configuration to accommodate Formula E’s distinctive requirements. The layout combines long, fast straights with heavy braking zones, technical chicanes, and hairpin turns that demand exceptional traction stability and precision from both drivers and equipment.
Night racing introduces additional complexity to the competition. Without direct solar heating, track temperatures evolve gradually throughout the evening, creating shifting surface conditions that influence grip levels and thermal behavior. These dynamic conditions require tires capable of maintaining consistent performance across varying temperature windows.
Hankook Formula E iON Race Technology Delivers Performance
The iON Race tire represents Hankook Formula E’s commitment to innovation in electric motorsport. Engineered to deliver dependable grip under high loads, the tire maintains consistent thermal control while optimizing rolling resistance—a critical balance where tire performance directly impacts energy efficiency and race strategy.
On Jeddah’s demanding street circuit, sustained high-speed sections and frequent braking zones generate significant thermal demands under artificial lighting. The iON Race tire responds instantly to these challenges while maintaining a predictable performance window throughout qualifying and race sessions.
Industry Expert Weighs In on Night Racing Demands
“The electrifying atmosphere of Jeddah under the lights adds another dimension to this already demanding circuit. With high speeds, repeated braking zones, and shifting track conditions across the evening, tire stability and consistency become decisive factors. The iON Race is designed to give teams a reliable and predictable platform to perform at their best in both qualifying and race situations.”
Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport
Formula E Season 12 Continues Global Expansion
The 2026 Jeddah E-Prix represents a highlight of the Formula E season, delivering high-intensity racing entertainment along the Red Sea coastline. Beyond the on-track action, the event features enhanced fan experiences and Formula E EVO Sessions that showcase the championship’s commitment to spectator engagement.
Hankook Tire & Technology currently operates in over 160 countries with eight manufacturing facilities and five R&D centers worldwide. The company employs more than 20,000 professionals dedicated to producing exceptional quality, high-performance radial tires for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, and motorsport vehicles. Hankook has been recognized by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices World since 2011 and has received the highest rating from EcoVadis Business Sustainability Rating for three consecutive years, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility alongside performance excellence.
