Hankook Tire & Technology supplied its iON Race tire to all teams at the inaugural Madrid E-Prix. The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship staged Round 6 of Season 12 at the Circuito del Jarama. The 3.934 km layout is the longest circuit on the Formula E calendar.
Highlights
- Jaguar 1-2 finish: António Félix Da Costa took victory ahead of teammate Mitch Evans, with Pascal Wehrlein third for Porsche.
- PIT BOOST debut in single-header format: Madrid marked the first single-header event to feature the PIT BOOST strategy element alongside a revised ATTACK MODE.
- Longest Formula E circuit: The 23-lap race at Jarama tested energy management across fast directional changes and elevation shifts.
- Tire consistency: Hankook’s iON Race delivered stable grip and thermal performance despite limited historical data at the venue.
Race Recap: Strategy Drives the Action
The Madrid E-Prix unfolded over 23 laps at Jarama. Fast-flowing corners and significant elevation changes placed a premium on energy management. The introduction of PIT BOOST in a single-header format added a new strategic dimension. Teams also navigated a revised ATTACK MODE protocol.
Da Costa led a dominant Jaguar TCS Racing result. Evans followed in second to complete the team’s 1-2 finish. Wehrlein rounded out the podium for Porsche Formula E Team. Strategy and energy management proved decisive across the field.
Tire Performance on an Unfamiliar Layout
Hankook’s iON Race tire faced a unique challenge at Jarama. The circuit offered limited prior race data for teams and the tire supplier alike. Sustained cornering loads and directional changes demanded predictable warm-up behavior. The tire also needed consistent traction over the full race distance.
According to Hankook, the tire’s balanced performance window allowed teams to commit to PIT BOOST and ATTACK MODE strategies with confidence. Track conditions evolved across the weekend. However, grip levels and thermal behavior remained stable throughout.
Hankook Motorsport Looks Ahead
Manfred Sandbichler, Senior Director of Hankook Motorsport, said the Madrid race provided useful data. “With PIT BOOST and a revised ATTACK MODE influencing race dynamics, tire consistency was an important factor as teams managed energy and race pace across the 23-lap distance,” he said. Sandbichler added that insights from Jarama will inform ongoing collaboration with the championship.
The Formula E season continues with Rounds 7 and 8 in Berlin. Teams will face a contrasting challenge at the established Tempelhof circuit.
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