Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal, described Hyundai’s plans for its third car as the “main question mark” in regard to the driver lineup for the 2025 World Rally Championship.
This season, Hyundai has entered three i20 N Rally1 vehicles, two of which are driven full-time by Thierry Neuville and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak. The third car has been shared among Esapekka Lappi, Andreas Mikkelsen, and Dani Sordo.
As for next season, Hyundai has not yet finalized its driver arrangements. Neuville, the current championship leader, is facing the end of his contract at the season’s conclusion, while the team has the option to extend Tanak’s deal after he returned from M-Sport this year.
Abiteboul emphasized that the main focus for next year’s driver lineup revolves around the third car.
“There is an ongoing process. We are discussing next year with Thierry; he knows the place, we know him, and it’s a successful pairing, so why would we want to change it?” Abiteboul stated to Autosport.
In response to inquiries about his future, Neuville remarked: “There is no update, but I’m not overly worried about it anymore.”
On the specific topic of Tanak’s future, Abiteboul mentioned: “There is an option, and we will discuss that. We enjoy working together, so it seems quite natural to exercise that option.”
Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Regarding the third car, Abiteboul is eager to “explore scenarios” as Mikkelsen primarily participated in asphalt events this season (Monte Carlo, Croatia), while gravel rallies were divided between veteran Sordo (Portugal, Sardinia) and Lappi (Sweden, Kenya, Latvia, and Finland), with the exception of Poland.
Lappi has been the top scorer so far with 33 points from four events, including 19 points from his victory at Rally Sweden. Mikkelsen follows closely with 29 points, while Sordo has accumulated 27 points from just two events, demonstrating impressive efficiency.
“The critical uncertainty for us revolves around the strategy tied to the third car,” remarked Abiteboul.
“Regarding the third vehicle, I’ve reached a stage where I want to consider various scenarios. I’m keen to be open-minded about our options and reflect on our current strategies to determine if we have made the right decisions this year and if they should carry over into next year.”
If Hyundai decides to pursue a different strategy and consider drivers outside its current lineup for the upcoming year, there are several potential choices. Last year, the team was linked to M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux, who is having his best WRC season thus far, highlighted by four third-place finishes.
When approached about discussions regarding his plans for 2025, Fourmaux stated: “I believe it’s time to start those conversations. My primary hope is to be in a Rally1 vehicle next year.”
“As a driver, it’s important to engage in dialogue with all teams, as there are only three teams to compete for a Rally1 seat.”
Adrien Fourmaux, Alexandre Coria, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
All WRC teams are likely monitoring WRC2 leader Oliver Solberg, who aspires to return to a Rally1 car in the future following his part-time stint with Hyundai in 2022.
“Honestly, I don’t know anything regarding next year. I have many dreams and goals, but nothing is set yet,” said Solberg.
“Naturally, being only 22, the dream is to return to a Rally1, but I don’t dwell on it too much. I will concentrate on doing my best for now.”
