Thierry Neuville insists Hyundai is but to determine on its World Rally Championship future, describing current hypothesis the model has already determined to depart on the finish of 2025 as “unfounded”.
The reigning world champion and Hyundai WRC stalwart has responded to a report in Belgian media that claims the Korean marque has already made a name to depart the class on the finish of this season. It additionally advised that Hyundai’s alleged impending departure meant the WRC’s prime class would transfer to Rally2 equipment for subsequent 12 months.
Talking after shakedown at Safari Rally Kenya, Neuville admitted the crew’s future was “unsure” however supplied a agency response to ideas {that a} resolution had been made. Motorsport.com additionally understands Hyundai is but to make a name on its 2026 future, though a choice is predicted earlier than summer time.
“Like everybody else, we simply discovered of those rumours, that are clearly unfounded,” stated Neuville.
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Workforce Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Picture by: Austral / Hyundai Motorsport
“They have been simply thrown on the market to create a buzz. It was a shock for everybody. It notably annoys me as a result of it exhibits a scarcity of respect for all of the individuals on the crew who combat and rise up each morning motivated to do their job nicely and for the continuation of this programme.
“They’re clearly afraid that it’ll cease, however I’m in a great place to let you know that no resolution has been made. Hyundai’s future is unsure, however till a choice is made, I believe spreading rumours like this isn’t justified. We should go away it to the choice makers to determine what’s going to occur.”
Hyundai has been ever-present within the WRC since rejoining the class for a second spell in 2014. In that point it has gained producers’ crowns in 2019 and 2020, whereas Neuville secured its first drivers’ title final season. This 12 months it has dedicated 4 homologation jokers to enhance its i20 N Rally1 machine.
Nevertheless, hypothesis surrounding Hyundai’s WRC future has been rife since final season when the model dedicated to the 2025 marketing campaign, however wouldn’t touch upon its future for 2026 and past.
The uncertainty over its future emerged round plans for the marque to hitch the World Endurance Championship, below its Genesis umbrella, which was formally confirmed late final 12 months. Hypothesis over Hyundai’s WRC future gathered momentum when the crew handed solely a one-year contract extension to Neuville final September. There have additionally been ideas that Hyundai WRC’s programme may very well be run by a personal operation from 2026.
Neuville beforehand admitted that his personal long-term WRC future would possible be decided by what Hyundai decides transferring ahead. The WRC revealed final 12 months that it could undertake new laws for 2027, transferring in direction of Rally2-specification automobiles, which it hopes won’t solely hold the present producers however improve the variety of opponents.
Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Workforce Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Picture by: Vincent Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport
Neuville’s team-mate Ott Tanak was additionally requested about Hyundai’s future, including: “Clearly for the time being so many issues are absolutely open, I assume for the time being it is extremely tough to provide any clarification.
“I assume no person on the within is aware of what’s coming for subsequent 12 months. In the meanwhile it appears every thing is open. I believe the long run regulation is open and the groups are open, it’s all open.”
Talking to Motorsport.com final 12 months about its 2026 plans, Hyundai crew principal Cyril Abiteboul stated: “We’re exploiting the [homologation] joker functionality in the absolute best approach [to improve the i20 N Rally1 car for 2025], and if we do this frankly we’d not need to do this for one 12 months.
“Our objective is to be right here for a few years and now we have a contract with Thierry that caters to that, however what we are able to affirm proper right here, proper now could be this partnership being prolonged between Hyundai and Thierry for 2025.
“The choice [surrounding Hyundai’s WRC future in 2026] is just not made, and we are going to speak about 2026 in due time. It isn’t the time now, now could be the time to deal with 2024 and 2025, and we want numerous issues for our plans to be formalised for 2026.”
Learn Additionally:
On this article
Tom Howard
WRC
Thierry Neuville
Hyundai Motorsport
Be the primary to know and subscribe for real-time information electronic mail updates on these matters
Subscribe to information alerts
