Thierry Neuville, driver of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, looks optimistically towards the opportunities of the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the upcoming season, despite expressing his intention to reduce commitments. The 2024 champion believes that the following year could be the ideal time to take this step back, coinciding with the new technical regulations set to come into effect.
The current situation of Hyundai is uncertain, as the brand has not made a definitive decision about its future in the championship. Neuville has been one of the pillars of the WRC for 15 seasons, with 13 of them behind the wheel of the brand’s vehicles since its return to competition in 2014.
Although Hyundai will not develop a completely new vehicle for the 2027 regulations, it has invested in a revised version of its Rally2 car, which could compete in the higher category. The decision on whether the brand will adopt the new Rally2 upgrade kit to participate in the new Rally1 category is still pending the confirmation of the sporting regulations.
After finishing a tough campaign in 2026 by winning the Power Stage at the season finale in Sardinia, Neuville spoke about his future options with Hyundai. ‘Winning the Power Stage was the last thing I could do for the team and for myself, in such an uncertain period. I just wanted to say goodbye properly,’ he remarked.
Aware that he wants to take a step back, Neuville considers that Hyundai is the team that can offer him the most options for his long-term future. ‘My priority is to stay with Hyundai because I believe it is the brand that can offer me the best opportunities for the future,’ he added.
Hyundai’s Options for 2027
Hyundai is considering three possibilities, which will be defined by its motorsport president, Cyril Abiteboul, after the approval of the new sporting regulations, expected by October 15.
Abiteboul mentioned that they have made a strong investment in Rally2 cars, seeing them as a turning point with many opportunities. The three options being considered include moving towards a customer racing sport, remaining as a public manufacturer team, or an intermediate option with a customer team supported by Hyundai.
‘We intend to ensure a competitive car, which we consider essential. The racing world is changing, and we need to adapt our operations accordingly,’ concluded Abiteboul. Definitive decisions regarding Neuville’s and Hyundai’s future will be made once they are clear on which direction they want to take as a brand in the WRC.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
