Sweden aims to launch advanced WRC car for Hyundai

Thierry Neuville Hyundai is expected to unveil its revised 2025 World Rally Championship car at Rally Sweden next month.

Hyundai spent much of last season developing a significant upgrade to its i20 N Rally1 car, but confirmed late last year that it would start the new season in Monte Carlo with its 2024 car – subject to new technical regulations. As per except hybrid power unit.

The Korean brand originally planned to effectively produce a practically brand-new car for 2025, before the plan was abandoned following uncertainty over 2025 technical regulations. The upgrade that has been salvaged from that original project is likely to become a significant upgrade that will require the use of four homologation development jokers.

Details regarding the exact changes to the car have not been revealed by the team yet.

Drivers began testing the upgraded car last season, with the development process continuing through the winter, and now there are hopes the revised i20 N Rally1 can break cover at Rally Sweden on 13-16 February.

“Hopefully in Sweden (you will see the new advanced car),” Neuville told Autosport.

When further inquired about the upgrade, he said: “It’s good. We are very limited in what we can do but I feel comfortable in the new car.

Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul revealed last year that he was not concerned about delaying the start of its 2025 upgrade, as the Monte Carlo is a specialist rally; A view shared by reigning world champion Neuville before heading into next week’s Asphalt Classic.

“It is not a matter of concern (running the 2024 car in the Monte). This is an elite event and either way, the (new Hankook) tires will be the biggest struggle in Monte Carlo,” he said.

“Without the hybrid unit and the reduced weight, there are a lot of new variables with the changes to the car.

“A lot of things are coming together and I don’t know how difficult it will be. This will depend to some extent on how comfortable we feel in the car after a few steps, and this could be the deciding factor.

In addition to changes to the technical regulations for 2025, Hyundai has undergone a management reshuffle over the winter due to the departure of its WRC program manager Christian Loriaux, which came as a surprise to Neuville.

The renowned engineer played a vital role since joining the operation for the first time in 2021 as a technical advisor. Loriaux has joined Overdrive Racing to work on the team’s Toyota Rally-Raid program.

“It comes as a surprise and obviously, we are very disappointed with him leaving the team. But one of his goals was achieved with (us winning) the drivers title and obviously, he has the chance for a new challenge and I wish him all the best,” Neuville said.