Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Updated to Challenge Toyota in WRC 2026

WRC, Sportrik Media - Hyundai Motorsport has officially unveiled updates to the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) 2026, with a clear strategic objective: ending the dominance of Toyota Gazoo Racing in the final season of the current Rally1 regulations.

Following a demanding and inconsistent 2025 campaign, Hyundai has carried out a comprehensive review of both its technical direction and operational structure. The 2026 season is framed as a pivotal opportunity to pursue the coveted Triple Crown—drivers’, co-drivers’, and manufacturers’ world titles—in what marks Hyundai’s 13th season at the top level of the WRC. Every early-season result will therefore carry added weight, particularly in shaping the evolving WRC 2026 standings, which can be tracked throughout the year via https://sportrik.com/wrc/klasemen.

Visually, the renewed intent is signalled by a refreshed livery for the i20 N Rally1. The 2026 design combines Hyundai’s signature Performance Blue and Active Red with stronger black accents, presenting a more assertive and performance-driven identity. Beyond aesthetics, the livery also pays tribute to Nürburgring and Namyang, Hyundai’s key development hubs, underlining the close link between its global performance philosophy and the WRC programme.

More significantly, Hyundai’s primary gains are targeted beneath the bodywork. Making use of additional homologation jokers permitted by the FIA, the team has concentrated development on suspension refinement and aerodynamic optimisation. A revised rear wing forms part of this package, aimed at improving downforce efficiency and overall balance. The objective is to widen the car’s setup window, ensuring greater stability and consistency across the highly variable conditions typical of modern WRC events.

In parallel, Hyundai has structured its driver line-up to blend continuity with adaptability. Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, alongside Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria, will contest the full season. The third car, meanwhile, will be rotated among experienced crews including Dani Sordo / Cándido Carrera, Esapekka Lappi / Enni Mälkönen, and the returning Hayden Paddon / John Kennard, depending on event characteristics.

Away from competition weekends, Hyundai has also implemented a significant organisational change by relocating its main test base from Finland to southern France. This move is designed to provide a broader variety of road surfaces, particularly to enhance gravel development. The new base is expected to improve preparation for a diverse sequence of rallies, reflecting the demands outlined in the WRC 2026 calendar, available in full at https://sportrik.com/wrc/calendar.

With the current Rally1 regulations entering their final year, the 2026 season represents Hyundai’s last opportunity to fully exploit its existing technical package. Whether the updated i20 N Rally1 can consistently apply pressure to Toyota will not only define Hyundai’s championship prospects this year, but also shape the team’s confidence and strategic momentum ahead of the major regulatory reset scheduled for WRC 2027.