Thierry Neuville, driver of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, is optimistic about the opportunities in the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the coming year. However, the Belgian driver expresses his intention to reduce his commitments within the championship, especially as the category approaches a new era of technical regulations.
Neuville, who has been a central figure in the WRC for the last 15 seasons, the vast majority of them with Hyundai, points out that 2024 could be a suitable time to take a break. This reflection coincides with uncertainty about Hyundai’s future in competition, as the brand has yet to make a definitive decision regarding its participation.
Hyundai’s Plans and Opportunities for Neuville
Hyundai, which has no intentions of creating a new vehicle for the 2027 regulations, has been working on improving its Rally2 model, which could be competitively viable. A decision on the investment in the update for Rally2 is still pending and will be determined based on the sporting regulations expected by October 15.
After closing a 2026 season marked by difficulties with a victory at the Power Stage in Sardinia, Neuville has commented on his willingness for more collaboration with Hyundai in the future. ‘I wanted to close the season well and now I want to enjoy moments with the team before deciding what comes next,’ said the driver.
Decisions for a Complicated Future
Hyundai is considering several options, such as shifting to a customer competition sport with the Rally2, remaining as a public manufacturing team, or finding an intermediate model. According to Cyril Abiteboul, motorsport president of the brand, the first necessary step is to have a competitive vehicle.
Future decisions regarding Hyundai’s direction in the WRC will be greatly influenced by the new rules that will be approved soon, thereby impacting Neuville’s possibilities in the upcoming championship. ‘Some of the options we are considering could likely create opportunities for Thierry,’ added Abiteboul.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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