Analysis
Hyundai Rally2 development continues amid WRC uncertainty
Hyundai is progressing with its new Rally2 car development despite an uncertain future in the World Rally Championship beyond 2026, as per Motorsport.com.
Hyundai Motorsport is continuing development of its new i20 N Rally2 car, which is expected to begin testing soon, even as the team’s future in the World Rally Championship beyond the 2026 season remains uncertain. The Korean manufacturer’s presence in the top tier of rallying for 2027 has been a subject of considerable discussion throughout the current season, particularly with new technical regulations on the horizon for the next championship cycle. Hyundai previously opted against developing a new car compliant with the 2027 regulations, mirroring Toyota’s decision on this matter several months ago, leaving the i20 Rally2 as its sole option for continued WRC involvement next season. This particular vehicle is eligible to compete against the new WRC27 cars during both the 2027 and 2028 seasons. The FIA announced earlier this season that manufacturers can introduce an upgrade kit for their Rally2 cars, which would include updated bodywork and a 10 kilogram reduction in the minimum car weight. M-Sport-Ford is presently the only team committed to this initiative. Despite weighing its overarching options for the future, Hyundai has committed to the development of an effectively new i20 N Rally2 car, which is currently being prepared for initial testing. Motorsport.com has reported that Hyundai has three distinct options regarding its future involvement, including continuing to field factory-supported i20 N Rally2 cars next year, supplying vehicles to a private team, or withdrawing from the championship entirely.
Future Program Unconfirmed
Reports emanating from Spain following Rally Paraguay suggested that Hyundai had decided to scale back its factory program in the WRC, although sporting director Andrew Wheatley indicated that a definitive decision has not yet been made. Wheatley told Motorsport.com that discussions regarding Hyundai’s WRC future are ongoing on a weekly or monthly basis, emphasizing that this is not a new development, having persisted for at least six months. He also confirmed that the development of the Rally2 car is progressing positively and that testing will commence in the very near future.
Regulatory Landscape Evolving
Hyundai is actively collaborating with the FIA and the WRC promoter to clarify the sporting regulations for future seasons. Wheatley outlined three clear steps in their decision-making process: first, understanding the new WRC promoter structure, which is now clear; second, comprehending the sporting format for 2027; and third, awaiting further details from an upcoming WRC Commission meeting. This meeting is expected to provide more specific information regarding the proposals for the 2027 sporting regulations, which will influence Hyundai's ultimate decision.
Impact on Drivers and Teams
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Hyundai’s commitment to the WRC beyond 2026 naturally affects driver contracts and team structures. The progression of the new Rally2 car development suggests a continued presence in some capacity, even if not at a full factory level. For instance, the Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi, currently with Hyundai Motorsport, has secured 25 championship points this season. His future, along with other drivers, will depend heavily on Hyundai’s final strategic direction. The potential for a private team to field the new i20 N Rally2 cars could open opportunities for new talent or provide a continuation for existing drivers within the Hyundai ecosystem, albeit under different operational circumstances.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Analysis, which means this is our reading of facts that are already established. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Sanni Koskela.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- Motorsport.commotorsport.com
