I think the idea, tarmac "specialist", is that of the two (Mikkelsen and Lappi") he is the driver with more positive experience on this surface. So if you should pick rallies this makes more sense....
They could because WRC will take anyone, F1 can be selective. But why bother? The WRC has little exposure in North America, there's not even an event there. If it's a minority sport in Europe, it's...
Hyundai also has Sordo signed on, don't they?
[WRC] Croatia Rally 2024