Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal, describes Hyundai’s approach to its third vehicle as the “main question mark” concerning the driver lineup for the 2025 World Rally Championship.
This season, Hyundai has entered three i20 N Rally1 cars, with two being 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.
Hyundai has yet to finalize its driver plans for the next season, with current championship leader Neuville’s contract set to expire at the end of this season. Meanwhile, the team holds an option to extend Tanak’s contract after his return from M-Sport this year.
Abiteboul mentioned that discussions regarding the driver lineup for the next year are ongoing, emphasizing the need to focus on strategies involving the third car.
“There is an ongoing process. We are discussing next year [with Thierry]; he is familiar with the place, and we understand each other—it’s a winning combination, so why make a change?” Abiteboul shared with Motorsport.com.
When asked about his future, Neuville remarked: “There is no new information, but I’m not overly worried anymore.”
Regarding Tanak’s future, Abiteboul stated: “There is an option, and we will discuss it. I believe we enjoy collaborating, so exercising the option feels like a natural step forward.”
Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Abiteboul expressed interest in “exploring scenarios” regarding the third car, noting that Mikkelsen was primarily utilized for asphalt rallies this year (Monte Carlo, Croatia), while the gravel events were largely divided between veteran Sordo (Portugal, Sardinia) and Lappi (Sweden, Kenya, Latvia, and Finland).
Lappi has emerged as the top point scorer so far, totaling 33 points from four events, including a win at Rally Sweden where he secured 19 points. Mikkelsen has accumulated 29 points, while Sordo has 27 points from just two events.
“The primary uncertainty for us is the strategy for the third car,” Abiteboul noted. “Regarding the third car, I’m eager to explore possibilities. I want to remain open-minded and assess what we did this year to determine if it was the right path and if we should carry it into next year.”
If Hyundai decides to pursue a different strategy and look beyond its current drivers for the upcoming year, several options may be available. The team was previously linked with M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux, who is having a commendable WRC season, highlighted by four third-place finishes.
When asked if he had initiated discussions about his 2025 plans, Fourmaux replied: “I believe it’s time to start conversations. Primarily, I hope to find myself in a Rally1 car next year.”
“As a driver, you should be engaging with everyone. If you aspire to be a Rally1 driver, you need to be in discussions with all three teams.”
Moreover, all WRC teams are likely monitoring WRC2 leader Oliver Solberg, who aspires to return to a Rally1 car after a part-time stint with Hyundai in 2022.
“Honestly, I have no knowledge of my situation for next year. I possess numerous dreams and goals, but nothing is set in stone yet,” Solberg stated. “At 22, my dream is to get back into a Rally1 car, but I’m not focusing on that at the moment. I will give it my all now and concentrate on that.”
