Tuesday 10th December 2013

Hyundai confirms WRC entry

WRC newbies Hyundai to spearhead new 'N' performance road car models too

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The same time Citroen Racing announced Northern Irishman Kris Meeke as a full-time factory driver for the 2014 World Rally Championship, series newcomer Hyundai has confirmed its driver line-up for next season.

The squad - officially called the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team - will be led by Belgian youngster Thierry Neuville. The 25-year-old finished as runner-up in the 2013 Drivers' standings, scoring seven podium results along the way and challenging for rally wins on a regular basis. Neuville was confirmed as Hyundai's lead driver some weeks ago, but at a press conference in Frankfurt today three additional drivers were unveiled with part-time roles. Spaniard Dani Sordo, winner of this season's Rally Germany, will share the second Hyundai i20 WRC with highly rated Finn Juho Hanninen and former Subaru works driver Chris Atkinson.

Official livery and Shell backing revealed

The team took the opportunity to outline its objectives for its debut WRC season. Competing against vastly experienced opposition in the form of Citroen Racing, Volkswagen Motorsport and M-Sport Ford, Hyundai hopes to finish every rally with both cars as it bids to gain experience of the championship.

"We have worked tremendously hard to get where we are today and to be able to launch our new WRC team to the world," explains Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, Michel Nandan. "In less than one year, we have built and tested a brand new WRC-specification car, the Hyundai i20 WRC, and established a professional team and modern motorsport facility. It's a huge accomplishment but we know that we have a lot to learn in our first season. Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. If all goes well, we will hope to be competing for occasional podiums as the year progresses."

Neuville and Sordo will debut the i20 WRC on Rallye Monte Carlo (January 16-18) where the 2014 season gets underway. "I am really excited at the prospect of helping Hyundai Motorsport to integrate itself into the tough WRC environment," said the Belgian. "It is an honour to be representing a manufacturer like Hyundai Motor Company but also to have the extra responsibility of leading the team in our first season. I am looking forward to Monte Carlo. I can already feel the professionalism, motivation and passion of this team so although it will be a steep learning curve, I am sure it will be a positive one."

Hyundai also announced a new 'N' performance sub-brand, which will eventually spawn a series of sporting road cars.

[xRIEx]

I await Lego Hyundai models, coming soon to a Shell station near you

It looks fantastic, here's to roid-rage shopping cars! I want one, with a WRC rear wing.

[Mastodon2]

It looks amazing. I had a feeling that Neuville would go to Hyundai for 2014, hopefully they can develop the car around him, he is a very talented driver and with a car built around his style could have a chance at winning in the future.

[anonymous-user]

I wonder if Hyundai will release a hot model for the road, their sister company have the hot Ceed

[Baryonyx]

That rear wing is outrageous. That said, I still didn't find last years action all that captivating, from what I could find to watch. The departure of the almighty Loeb could have shaken things up but he was definitely the most interesting driver to watch, and ultimately the cars just aren't that exciting in action, such is the mastery of design now in play.

[rallycross]

New car looks good, all good news for WRC.

Lets hope they make a better effort than last time when they wouldnt pay the team that ran the cars for them (MSD) and left everyone in the lurch, plus they got a huge fine for leaving before the end of the season.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/34733
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/sep/30/formu...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2388358/Hyundais-...

[iwantcheese5]

No mention of the old Accent WRC cars from the early 2000's? Admittedly they weren't hugely successful.

[Baryonyx]

iwantcheese5 said:

No mention of the old Accent WRC cars from the early 2000's? Admittedly they weren't hugely successful.

I do at least like Hyundai's spirit, going into the competition. Where once everyone was up against Loeb's talent, they're now up against VW's limitless funds. So whilst VW buying their victories might leave a sour taste, it's good to see other manufacturers entering the fray.

Here is the old Accent WRC, a car I had forgotten about!

[F1GTRUeno]

Whilst there might not be homologation specials, nor any link at all with road cars.

At least more manufacturers adds to the spectacle.

[CraigyMc]

rallycross said:

New car looks good, all good news for WRC.

Lets hope they make a better effort than last time when they wouldnt pay the team that ran the cars for them (MSD) and left everyone in the lurch, plus they got a huge fine for leaving before the end of the season.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/34733
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2003/sep/30/formu...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2388358/Hyundais-...

Hyundai have been hiring motorsports people from all over the place into their German motorsport base.
Hyundai Motorsport GmbH is not a separate company, it's a subsidiary of the car manufacturer based in Alzenau.

C

[hill79]

That looks great - echos of the 6R4 about it, which is no bad thing.

[Andy ap]

Oh this didnt exist?

[Hamsternator]

I think I may be taking a much bigger interest in WRC next year if F1 is to become the circus that it sounds like it will. Where is the best place to get WRC coverage, either live or highlights? I know in recent years I've caught the odd round on Dave, and some lesser rallies on Eurosport. Is there good online coverage, paid for or otherwise?

[vanschpunk]

Seeing all the mundane turd on the roads these days, its quite refreshing to see a bonkers looking i20 wrc car!!

Even seeing that accent puts a grin on my face

[rossub]

Oh thank god. Its about time a company had a performance model denoted by something other than "R"

[F1GTRUeno]

I'd like to at least believe someone in the aftermarket will be a widebody kit that looks exactly like the rally car.

I'm sure someone did the Fiesta.

[jimbro1000]

Hamsternator said:

I think I may be taking a much bigger interest in WRC next year if F1 is to become the circus that it sounds like it will. Where is the best place to get WRC coverage, either live or highlights? I know in recent years I've caught the odd round on Dave, and some lesser rallies on Eurosport. Is there good online coverage, paid for or otherwise?

F1 has always been a circus, the difference is now that you are no longer a willing consumer? WRC is no better...

[Andy ap]

"Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. "

Sounds very much like what Skoda said when they entered the Octavia a decade ago. Not in it for outright wins from the day dot but to get reliable and consistent placing to build on that from then on.

[morgs_]

F1GTRUeno said:

I'd like to at least believe someone in the aftermarket will be a widebody kit that looks exactly like the rally car.

I'm sure someone did the Fiesta.

Yup : http://www.flickr.com/photos/willnicks/5988392218/

[Baryonyx]

F1GTRUeno said:

I'd like to at least believe someone in the aftermarket will be a widebody kit that looks exactly like the rally car.

I'm sure someone did the Fiesta.

They usually do. Examples of the 106 and 306's Maxis:

[DubZeus]

The F2 coupe looked ok & had reasonable sucess: