Maybe Abiteboul agreed to put all in for Neuville this year and if it doesn't pay off, then there will be changes. He comes from F1 and tactics are different there.
It's Neuville's and Hyundai's 10th year in team/wrc and they have only managed to win 2 manu titles, which isn't clearly enough..
I don't see any change of philosophy in Hyundai. They hired world champion Tanak few years ago to try and win the title, now of course they would like to hire world champion Rovanpera.
The current entry fees, as stated in Appenxix VI of "2026 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – SPORTING REGULATIONS" are:
WRC Manufacturer € 441 352 - for a 2 or 3 car team with P1 status
WRC Team ...
Some interesting insights from Project Rally One...
https://www.wrcwings.tech/2026/02/02/what-a-tuner-built-wrc27-car-will-look-like-prospeeds-rally-one/
I think Toyota wants a challenge and they probably being the only one ready with WRC27 car in time, I think they will seriously think what car they will run against others. Of course they want to...
What's the barriers to entry and incentive for the teams? Just because the top class in combined, it doesn't mean a championship will be open and accessible to every team.
In a combined...
The current entry fees, as stated in Appenxix VI of "2026 FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP – SPORTING REGULATIONS" are: WRC Manufacturer € 441 352 - for a 2 or 3 car team with P1 status WRC Team ...
WRC mainclass from 2027