Hyundai WRT

[giu canbera]

What about....................................... CHRIS INGRAM!? :o

[flat_right]

Hyundai need to go with the most experienced driver with the Rally1 car. There's no time to learn it and hope to get results at the same time.

Give Sordo the same money they offered Tänak, and we’re good to go. He’s the most reliable driver who isn’t driving now.

Colin Clark appeared on an Estonian evening program via Zoom, where he speculated that Tänak was offered the highest salary ever for a WRC driver. He mentioned that Ogier earned around €14 million for his season with Citroën, so Tänak’s offer would have been even higher. I really doubt that, but what he was quite certain about was that Tänak was offered a lot of money. I’ll link the interview here as well. Hopefully it’s not geo-restricted. If it is restricted, let me know and I'll upload it somewhere.

https://jupiter.err.ee/1609856538/ott-tanaku-tulevik

[GigiGalliNo1]

May Armstrong race for M-sport Rally1 next year? An irish duo?

Irish full time seat with McErlean yes... and the second seat will be shared. Armstrong is a name for that seat.

[Eli]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnxab35bU6c

Liasion, episode 13.

[trykmann]

I would have thought they have a long list of things needed to be done.

“For 26, we know it will be very difficult. The last jokers need to be decided by the end of the year, so there’s not much time left. At the moment, we don’t know yet what we exactly have to do to be more competitive next year,” Neuville concludes.

https://rallyjournal.com/wrc-star-praised-his-teams-new-moves-gives-hope-for-the-future/

[flat_right]

Sordo is the front runner to replace Tänak

https://rallyjournal.com/has-hyundai-chosen-an-experienced-driver-to-replace-ott-tanak/

[deephouse]

The full season and one problem would be solved. Next they need to focus purely on reliability and they will surely be a challenge to Toyota

[macebig]

Lindholm is a name that hasn't been talked about a lot,but makes some kind of sense. He doesn't really have anything going, has some history with Hyundai and won't turn down a Rally 1 seat. Maybe Sordo covers tarmac rounds and he does gravel. It's not like Hyundai has anything to lose at this point.

[deephouse]

I've been saying this for three years now. They need at least one more title, before they will leave.aybe just maybe the bosses will decide to stay if the results will come.

[meh]

I've been saying this for three years now. They need at least one more title, before they will leave.aybe just maybe the bosses will decide to stay if the results will come.

... or it could work exactly vice-versa - the results could come if they can decide anything on time. Problems with the current car are also because they were not able to decide (fast enough) do they stay or not, do they develop the new car or not, and now they are using the "quick fix solution" that is obviously not as good as Toyota's well-prepared solution.

[AMSS]

Sordo is the front runner to replace Tänak

https://rallyjournal.com/has-hyundai-chosen-an-experienced-driver-to-replace-ott-tanak/

and Lappi also in dicussions https://rallyjournal.com/esapekka-lappi-drops-a-bombshell-could-he-return-to-wrc-in-place-of-ott-tanak-there-was-a-phone-call/

[mknight]

Hilarious.

There was an article on the same site just a few days ago how Lappi has full program with Skoda and is not interested in WRC.

Just like 2 years ago when Lappi said he would rather be home than drive with Hyundai and 2-3 months later he signed with them.

[deephouse]

He is still pretty young. He is basically among those who can win events, get podiums and score good points. On a level above more than half a WRC field right now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hilarious.

There was an article on the same site just a few days ago how Lappi has full program with Skoda and is not interested in WRC.

Just like 2 years ago when Lappi said he would rather be home than drive with Hyundai and 2-3 months later he signed with them.

The first article was after a rumour and before Hyundai contacted Lappi.

And he's not chasing them for a drive, just listening to see what they offer. Plus he is only interested in a part-time role.

[WRCStan]

Unuseful comment: since Lappi won Sweden 2024; Neuville, Fourmaux, Sordo and Paddon put together have not won more.

[Tom206wrc]

I thought Hyundaï should announce the drivers line-up just after the last WRC round in Saudi Arabia :confused:

[Tom206wrc]

I thought Hyundaï was expected to announce the 2026 drivers line-up just after the last WRC round in Saudi Arabia :confused:

[WRCStan]

Announcement will now be made 21 January.

[AndersX]

Announcement will now be made 21 January.

Nea, they need to make recce, it should by morning of 19th. Expect Sordo, Lappi and possibly Griazin in some events. I doubt Lappi and Sordo would commit 7 rallies each.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai’s 2026 driver announcement is expected to arrive over the coming days.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/wheatley-hyundai-focused-on-clarity-for-2026-as-momentum-builds

[rallyfiend]

I'm going to go with a car shared by...
- Dani
- EP
- Hayden
Bit disappointing to see the same old men bouncing around the seats rather than a young talent, but I guess might be better for them to be in Rally2 anyway for the inevitable Rally2 WRC in 2027 and most of 2028....

[Eli]

https://x.com/hmsgofficial/status/1996867235856724061?s=61
After 8 years! he’s back!!! Finally Paddon is back, as is Lappi…and Sordo… but still, should be good.
Now we just need a proper livery, and for them to win the championship…should be a walk in the park ;)

[Dontcut]

I'm going to go with a car shared by...
- Dani
- EP
- Hayden
Bit disappointing to see the same old men bouncing around the seats rather than a young talent, but I guess might be better for them to be in Rally2 anyway for the inevitable Rally2 WRC in 2027 and most of 2028....

Hyundai wants the title, they don't have time to watch Mikkelsen or youngster crashing out every event.

[flat_right]

https://x.com/hmsgofficial/status/1996867235856724061?s=61
After 8 years! he’s back!!! Finally Paddon is back, as is Lappi…and Sordo… but still, should be good.
Now we just need a proper livery, and for them to win the championship…should be a walk in the park ;)

That's great. Undeservedly didn't get to drive anymore imho. But he always kept pushing and now he his back. Hope he does good. Would be a nice story.

[tbazsi95]

Hyundai doesn't have any plans or idea about this WRC campaign. Using same drivers, dropping same drivers, get same result, no junior support. This is a circle.

[Eli]

Regarding the history I know this isn’t the best of ideas and I’m sure they’ve already got Sordo locked in for the tarmac rounds and Portugal+Sardegna but I would absolutely love to see Paddon in Monte-Carlo and I also hope he doesn’t choose a stupid number like 99 or 69 or 15…it’s his first time without a designated number on the window…I know I know it’s not important but still….and I really hope they revert back to a non clown like livery…

[flat_right]

Hyundai doesn't have any plans or idea about this WRC campaign. Using same drivers, dropping same drivers, get same result, no junior support. This is a circle.

So what would have been your idea in this situation? What were the options considering their goal i.e winning a championship?

In my opinion they did great job. Lappi can drive but just not full season, Sordo has always been solid and I think Paddon has the most hunger of all to prove something.

[realtimati]

Lets go!! Paddon's pack!! How exciting to have my 2nd favourite driver back in the fold after Ott announced his hiatus. Groovy.

[Andre Oliveira]

Monte-Carlo Paddon
Sweden Lappi
Kenya
Croatia
Islas Canarias
Portugal Sordo
Japan
Greece
Estonia
Finland Lappi
Paraguay
Chile
Sardegna
Saudi Arabia

[Eli]

and we’ll see Paddon (& John Kennard!) back in those Hyundai Overall as soon as Monte-Carlo, Here’s hoping for a nice beautiful livery for their (Hyundai’s) final year in the WRC.

[Eli]

Monte-Carlo Paddon
Sweden Lappi
Kenya
Croatia
Islas Canarias
Portugal Sordo
Japan
Greece
Estonia
Finland Lappi
Paraguay
Chile
Sardegna
Saudi Arabia

Sordo also in the Canaries as his first outing.

[tbazsi95]

So what would have been your idea in this situation? What were the options considering their goal i.e winning a championship?

In my opinion they did great job. Lappi can drive but just not full season, Sordo has always been solid and I think Paddon has the most hunger of all to prove something.

Compare to the Toyota, they have a junior support (Pajari, later Solberg and TGR WRC Challenge Program), so in this case like Rovanpera leave, they can use Solberg to fill an empty seat. Hyundai is using same names to fill empty space. This is not a futureproof solution

[flat_right]

Compare to the Toyota, they have a junior support (Pajari, later Solberg and TGR WRC Challenge Program), so in this case like Rovanpera leave, they can use Solberg to fill an empty seat. Hyundai is using same names to fill empty space. This is not a futureproof solution

There is nothing to compare, Hyundai doesn't have a Junior program at the moment.

I'll ask my question again - what would have been your driver decision in this situation? It's really easy to critique...

[denkimi]

Congratulations to toyota on becoming 2026 world champions.
Maybe Hyundai wants to set a record and let toyota win every rally next year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good news for Paddon and he'll be back in the WRC ready for 2027 (in the i20 Rally2 he's developed).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai doesn't have any plans or idea about this WRC campaign. Using same drivers, dropping same drivers, get same result, no junior support. This is a circle.

They aren't sure about staying for some time, so for 2026 they had to stay with drivers with experience of the Rally1 car.

If a decision is made for staying long-term then they can plan with junior drivers.

[deephouse]

Congrats for Paddon, Sordo and of course Lappi. If they will win manufacturers title and just maybe drivers again, Ott will scratch his head.

[EstWRC]

This team never learns

Clown masks on again

[CeskyOndra]

This team never learns

Clown masks on again

What's wrong with you, what do you want them to do? Hiring Gryazin to destroy all of their cars?

[AndersX]

I am very glad about Paddon. Those who remember, he came into WRC through the same Pirelli Star Drive as Tanak. He did not deserve to be dropped by Hyundai first time.

Others - Hyundai goes all in, Team Championship or bust.

Unknown - how those 3 old foxes will be able handle that car.

[EstWRC]

What's wrong with you, what do you want them to do? Hiring Gryazin to destroy all of their cars?

thanks for asking, im fine and nothing is wrong with me. its my opinion and yours is yours

they already tried this sharing tactics last year and failed, a guy is sitting at home for 2 months, then comes to the event with just one test day under his belt, then goes home again to skip some events and let the other driver to do the same circle. no wonder the results wont come. we saw last year with Mikkelsen who on every event came to speed by saturday after lunch time or by Sunday.

they already did a mistake by putting Paddon for Monte but i guess they had no other choices cause Sordo and Lappi hate that event.

like i said, this is my opinion

[deephouse]

I'm actually a bit surprised about Paddon, since I never believe he will be back, since how they treat him being so loayl to the brand, but not vice versa. I also don't like this sharing thing at all, but those three are capable having good results and scoring good amount for the team. Sordo was there when they got their only 2 manufacturer titles (he actually take good amount of credit for that)... Rooted that he could do whole season or at least ''Ogier campaign like'', not just three events. Lappi did score them a win last year, so he is a good choice. Well Paddon bring the brand various Rally2 titles and have a win back in 2016 in a straight Ogier vs. him battle. So that counts too. Of course it will not be straight exchange to Tanak, but tey are trying. Let's hope, it will not be disaster like this year.

[denkimi]

What's wrong with you, what do you want them to do? Hiring Gryazin to destroy all of their cars?
Yes. And rossel and sesks.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

But i assume they just want to get through 2026 and will walk away for 2027.

[flat_right]

Those who say that Hyundai is not learning from their past mistakes by choosing those 3 drivers, I'd like to know what would have been the better solution? Was there a better driver (combo) available that would deliver?

[Rallyper]

thanks for asking, im fine and nothing is wrong with me. its my opinion and yours is yours

they already tried this sharing tactics last year and failed, a guy is sitting at home for 2 months, then comes to the event with just one test day under his belt, then goes home again to skip some events and let the other driver to do the same circle. no wonder the results wont come. we saw last year with Mikkelsen who on every event came to speed by saturday after lunch time or by Sunday.

they already did a mistake by putting Paddon for Monte but i guess they had no other choices cause Sordo and Lappi hate that event.

like i said, this is my opinion

Still I wouldn´t call them clowns. As you don´t know a thing what they´ll do for testing coming season, for example.

[TypeR]

Glad to see Paddon back, no too big hopes but still.
This trio helps wrc+ with pretty good stage end interviews also.
Lappi has Sweden win and Sordo some podiums also with this car so let's see..

[trykmann]

Still I wouldn´t call them clowns. As you don´t know a thing what they´ll do for testing coming season, for example.

7+7 events between Lappi and Sordo would probably have been a better choice. With this solution the gaps between rallies might be a bit too long to get up to speed right from the start.

[Tom206wrc]

Hyundai doesn't have any plans or idea about this WRC campaign. Using same drivers, dropping same drivers, get same result, no junior support. This is a circle.

I never understood why Hyundaï isn't trying to do for young local drivers like Toyota: aren't there any promising talented south korean drivers for the job :confused:

[mknight]

7+7 events between Lappi and Sordo would probably have been a better choice. With this solution the gaps between rallies might be a bit too long to get up to speed right from the start.

Yes I was also expecting something like that, two drivers sharing and one of them Sordo.

Sharing with 3 is a surprise.
Paddon is a surprise.

Paddon on Monte sounds like insanity.

Hope for both parts that he gets proper preparation before and not only a short dry one day test.

Edit: Actually the approach they do with Paddon for Monte will hint at how serious this is. If he does not get proper preparation it will point to this beeing just the cheapest possible temporary fill-in for 2026 before giving up completely.

[giu canbera]

I love Paddon, Lappi and Sordo and I CANT WAIT for the '27 rules where these 3 fellas have more chances of doing more races with actual chances of winning - but for 26, If I were Hyundai, I'd just hire Sesks. The kid always shows he KNOWS what hes doing, he just need more experience. Thats it. For me it would be a simple decision. Sesks, full time.
Such a shame to have a potential WRC star being left out for another season. Hope he can destroy everybody in 27 on the R5

[EstWRC]

Those who say that Hyundai is not learning from their past mistakes by choosing those 3 drivers, I'd like to know what would have been the better solution? Was there a better driver (combo) available that would deliver?

Full season for one driver to get the confidence and speed and knowledge with the car

[denkimi]

7+7 events between Lappi and Sordo would probably have been a better choice. With this solution the gaps between rallies might be a bit too long to get up to speed right from the start.
having them all do all events would be the sensible solution.

[AndersX]

There is a probability that the deal with Paddon is with look in future; if H exits, Paddon could run their semi-works team, similar to M-Sport, and similar Solberg is dreaming/working on.

[doubled1978]

Sordo and Lappi are no surprise, Paddon is for me. That said, I am sure they are looking to keep the 3rd car low down the starting order as possible to maximise chances, hence the 3rd driver to stop anyone scoring too many points to move up the order. Even Canaries and Japan won’t punish that on tarmac.
Paddon in for Monte is on the face of it an odd choice, but I suspect it is because as others have said, Sordo hates it, and Lappi will be in Sweden and they want him down the start order there.
I hope Paddon gets a few good runs and some redemption.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I never understood why Hyundaï isn't trying to do for young local drivers like Toyota: aren't there any promising talented south korean drivers for the job :confused:

South Korea have a huge rally community and national series?!?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If I were Hyundai, I'd just hire Sesks. The kid always shows he KNOWS what hes doing, he just need more experience. Thats it. For me it would be a simple decision. Sesks, full time.
Such a shame to have a potential WRC star being left out for another season...

I really hope that this indicates Sesks will be at M-Sport for next season.

[wyler]

i don't understand many of the criticisms i read here. it looks to me very far from reality when speaking about a 3rd drive. i would not put a youngster in a 3rd car that has to bring reliable points. i would want a steady driver to cover from p6/5 or better when others hitting troubles. in that frame, their choice is fair (at least, good for me). they already have a promising young driver and an expert in the top 2 drives. neuville should be reliable, fourmaux is a bit more risky, then they need a steady 3rd car for points. how can they think about gryazin - never been in rally1 and worst result than paddon - or sesk -unproven on tarmac, fast but not consistent yet-. they need people finishing rally and collecting points. they took 2 expert rally1 driver, and the most consistent rally2 driver in europe of the last 2/3 years. looks not bad to me.

[meh]

Yes, all three are "oldies", but I'm glad they all got some outing on the last season of the era. No point in sharing the points before the season starts. I don't have too high hopes for their results, but I hope they are doing well. Paddon and Sordo have been so long time loyal to the brand, that they deserve the seat with their experience and speed. And as Lappi goes with Enni Mälkonen, then I hope Lappi can win an event, and it happens before Pajari wins an event - then Enni can have a win before Pajari. (if you are not aware for some reason, Enni was Pajari's co-driver and together they got the WRC2 title, and then Pajari chose another co-driver).

Special congrats to all Kiwis - you waited for the impossible, and it came.

[Rallyper]

7+7 events between Lappi and Sordo would probably have been a better choice. With this solution the gaps between rallies might be a bit too long to get up to speed right from the start.

We don´t know anything yet. So could still not be called clowns.

[Rallyper]

I never understood why Hyundaï isn't trying to do for young local drivers like Toyota: aren't there any promising talented south korean drivers for the job :confused:

You need to go with more than three cars. Toyota used car #4 and #5 for experiments. Maybe also #6 (?). (Katsuta is still an experiment counted in, you could say)

[CeskyOndra]

Hyundai can't aim for manu title with a youngster learning the "difficult" Hyundai. That's no-sense.

[CeskyOndra]

Lappi and Sordo are great drivers, but none of them can be the fastest on tarmac. So why not going for Paddon.

[Andre Oliveira]

I never understood why Hyundaï isn't trying to do for young local drivers like Toyota: aren't there any promising talented south korean drivers for the job :confused:

First and last time they tried... not good

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/129279-chewon-lim/

[denkimi]

Hyundai can't aim for manu title with a youngster learning the "difficult" Hyundai. That's no-sense.
Solberg won his only rally in a rc1 car.

You never know.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Congratulations to toyota on becoming 2026 world champions.

Maybe Hyundai wants to set a record and let toyota win every rally next year.

Whoever they chose that wouldn't be a surprise. Hyundai couldn't even complete when having Neuville, Tanak and Fourmaux in the 3rd car.

[deephouse]

First and last time they tried... not good

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/129279-chewon-lim/

Not complete failure. Co-driver of that fella actually did help and won driver and co-driver title.

[CeskyOndra]

Solberg won his only rally in a rc1 car.

You never know.

Was his 14th round or smth and he did previous 13 rounds with Hyundai with no results.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Abiteboul explains why it went wrong for them in 2025:

"We spent a winter finally working on this new car. And we did not work on three new elements that appeared: the end of the hybrid, the change of tyres and the change of fuel. All our efforts, our focus, our test days and our jokers went into this new car and not into these three elements, which changed things quite a lot and penalised us in the end. We arrived in Monte Carlo not at all prepared for how the Hankooks work on tarmac because we had been working on other things”

https://rallyjournal.com/a-big-speach-from-the-hyundai-boss-on-why-the-rally-season-went-badly-wrong/

[Rallyper]

Abiteboul explains why it went wrong for them in 2025:

"We spent a winter finally working on this new car. And we did not work on three new elements that appeared: the end of the hybrid, the change of tyres and the change of fuel. All our efforts, our focus, our test days and our jokers went into this new car and not into these three elements, which changed things quite a lot and penalised us in the end. We arrived in Monte Carlo not at all prepared for how the Hankooks work on tarmac because we had been working on other things”

https://rallyjournal.com/a-big-speach-from-the-hyundai-boss-on-why-the-rally-season-went-badly-wrong/

A strategy matter then...

[deephouse]

Hyundai seems operate as individual and not as a team - Tom Fowler...

To me it looks like they are never ready. Always there is excuses. Always something. How could they not even considerate of doing work on fuel, tyres and power without hybrid... I think that they lost all motivation even before they start the 2025 season.

[WRCStan]

That sounds more like an admission of fault rather than excuses from Abiteboul.

[wyler]

That sounds more like an admission of fault rather than excuses from Abiteboul.

it's just they can't do everything at the same time. we all know that the project was late, and regaining time is not easy, especially with "low" funding and limited testing.

[Steve Boyd]

Abiteboul explains why it went wrong for them in 2025:

"We spent a winter finally working on this new car. And we did not work on three new elements that appeared: the end of the hybrid, the change of tyres and the change of fuel. All our efforts, our focus, our test days and our jokers went into this new car and not into these three elements, which changed things quite a lot and penalised us in the end. We arrived in Monte Carlo not at all prepared for how the Hankooks work on tarmac because we had been working on other things”
Interesting choice of priorities They must have thought the old car was really bad in the areas they worked on to ignore the those three big changes for 2025 season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon decided, just send it ... ;)

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-email-that-relaunched-paddons-wrc-career/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More from Abiteboul interview to Belgian media after Saudi Arabia:

"We also know that Toyota redesigned the gearbox ratios. Because of the hybrid system, it's something we couldn't have done because all our spare parts had already been used up. There were also internal mistakes, design flaws in the car. But ultimately, it's primarily a lesson in risk analysis and what we really need to do. And I think we all need to draw some conclusions from this. Next year, the challenge is not to get sidetracked again. We're not that far off, we've seen it several times, we could have won.

Above all, we need to solidify our reliability. Often, we had the pace, but not the reliability. Again this weekend, we came very close. We need to solidify our understanding of the Hankook tires. And then, we have some technical issues that we absolutely must focus on without getting sidetracked. This also involves internal reorganizations, with some people being a bit more involved, focused. We've diversified our activities, and that's had an impact. Now, we need people who are absolutely focused on the few changes that need to be made."

[saco0o]

hyundai is bringing back the petrol i30N just one year after they "axed" the model...
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/exclusive-hyundai-resurrect-petrol-powered-i30-n

[Andre Oliveira]

Sordo 5 rallies

Spain, Portugal, Greece, Paraguay and Italy

[Morte66]

Sordo 5 rallies

Spain, Portugal, Greece, Paraguay and Italy

Am I imagining it, or was Sordo considered a tarmac-oriented driver back in his prime?

[deephouse]

I think 2026 will be more focused on building a new car for 2027. I also think that Sordo has in some way similar advantage in Hyundai as Ogier have in Toyota. Have some say what he will contest (not exactly, but have some influence).

[PLuto]

I think 2026 will be more focused on building a new car for 2027. I also think that Sordo has in some way similar advantage in Hyundai as Ogier have in Toyota. Have some say what he will contest (not exactly, but have some influence).

Do you think that Hyundai will be building a new car for 2027?

[deephouse]

According to the latest rumours/news they will... Rally2

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-aiming-to-homologate-brand-new-rally2-car-for-2027/

[mknight]

Sordo 5 rallies

Spain, Portugal, Greece, Paraguay and Italy

While not really a surprise it does make one wonder who will do the tarmac.

Paddon has no recent or historical decent tarmac form. Lappi is therefore most likely, he does not have any good results either, but likely can end up around Katsuka if ordered not to push. (If he pushes on tarmac it tends to end badly).

[skarderud]

The driver ending up to do the tarmac-rounds ending up as mikkelsen, or loeb, no good results.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[mknight]

Obviously after that (in Dirtfish words) "doomed to fail" tarmac focused part program he had last year I do not think they had a long line of drivers who wanted to try that.

Which is why I was expecting that the tarmac rounds would get split differently next year (and that there will be only two drivers sharing seat). Doesn't look like that yet, with Sordo not doing any.

Hopefully Paddon did not agree to tarmac-focused suicide run only.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon has had some decent tarmac performances in ERC (2nd Canarias 2023, 1st Ceredigion 2024) but of course that was in the Rally2 car.