Hyundai isn't coming to Sardinia just to make up the numbers. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul has boldly declared his confidence that his squad will fight for the top step of the podium at Rally Sardinia this weekend. "I am 100% confident that Hyundai will be challenging for the top step of the podium in Sardinia," he said, as quoted by RallyJournal. This isn't just a throwaway line; it's the product of hard work that has been evident in the last two rallies in South America.
Since the second half of the season began, Hyundai has shown impressive form. Thierry Neuville and teammate Adrien Fourmaux have proven that the i20 N Rally1 is now competitive on gravel. Fourmaux finished third in both events, while Hayden Paddon secured second place in Paraguay. These results demonstrate that the team's development work is paying off.
However, Abiteboul admits the car's full potential was not seen in Chile. "Unfortunately, because of Thierry and Martijn's accident and the aerodynamic damage to Adrien and Alex's car, we didn't get a chance to see how our strategy would ultimately have unfolded," he explained. That incident was a tough blow, but also a valuable lesson for the team to be better prepared for the challenges in Sardinia.
This year's Rally Sardinia takes place at an unusual time, in October instead of June. This schedule change brings the potential for significant weather shifts. "The move from June to October can bring a change in the weather. It is still summer in Sardinia, but at this time of year the conditions can be changeable," Abiteboul said. He added that the route has similar characteristics to Paraguay and Chile: technical, with a mix of high- and low-speed sections, and surfaces ranging from punishing bedrock to pure sand.
Interestingly, the last time this rally was held in October was in 2020, and Hyundai took first and second overall with Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville. Abiteboul hopes history can repeat itself. "We have to hope this is a good sign!" he said optimistically. However, he also realizes that as the final rally of the Rally1 era, every driver will be pushing to the maximum to end the season with a win.
Rally Sardinia begins with shakedown on Thursday, followed by the competition on Friday morning. There are 17 special stages covering a total of 307 kilometres. Most crucially, the 2025 WRC world champion will be decided at the end of this rally. Toyota drivers Elfyn Evans, Sami Pajari, and Oliver Solberg are still in the title hunt. This will be the ultimate test for Hyundai: can the boss's 100% confidence carry them to beat Toyota and claim the championship?
Baca Juga
Oliver Solberg siap all-out di Rally Sardinia meski tertinggal 21 poin dari Elfyn Evans. Peluang juara WRC 2025 masih terbuka.
Dani Sordo kejutkan WRC dengan gandeng Patricia Saiz di Rally Sardinia. Target podium, siap tantang Toyota di penentu gelar.
Jon Armstrong hadapi musim debut WRC penuh tantangan. Hasil terbaik finis kedelapan, kini Sardinia jadi ujian terakhir pertahankan kursi M-Sport Ford.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!