Rally Finland 2025 left a bitter taste for Hyundai Motorsport. The pace was there, but ever-changing weather and technical setbacks denied the Korean manufacturer a result that seemed within reach. Now, the team is determined to bounce back and turn that disappointment into a valuable lesson.
Andrew Wheatley, sporting director at Hyundai, made it clear they won't dwell on the past. "Finland was a case of 'what if', with challenging weather changing the outcome of the event. We have to put this behind us, refocus on the positives and look towards the next two rallies with confidence," he said.
Last season, Hyundai already showed its teeth in Paraguay and Chile, fighting at the front. However, small issues prevented them from converting speed into victory. Now, the situation has changed. Over the past year, the team has invested heavily in the Evo version of the i20 N Rally1, and results are emerging on different gravel surfaces.
"The team was fast in 2025 in both Paraguay and Chile but suffered with small issues that meant a win was not possible. Twelve months later, we know that the hard work on pre-event preparation and rally-by-rally setup for the Evo version means that the pace shown on rough gravel stages in Kenya, Portugal and Greece, plus confirmation that we are close to the target car speed for smooth, fast gravel, should help us start Paraguay with a positive mindset," Wheatley explained.
However, Hyundai cannot afford an extreme setup for Paraguay. Changing conditions and route characteristics force engineers to find a compromise. Fast roads with large compressions increase puncture risk, while unpredictable weather can alter grip levels and the rally's character entirely.
"Since Paraguay last year, a huge amount of work has been done to understand the Evo chassis and make the crews as confident as possible. But a mix of changeable weather on high-speed roads, with some big compressions, means the Paraguay setup will always be about finding the best compromise," he added.
Wheatley admitted that these are precisely the areas Hyundai has focused on since last year. Back then, punctures, small offs, and technical issues, including a problematic watersplash on day three, kept the crews from fighting for victory. "But this is exactly where the bulk of the work has been done this year, and we can start this event with confidence high," he stressed.
Still, Wheatley knows that an improved car alone guarantees nothing in Paraguay. There is no room for mistakes when fighting for victory, but the team boss believes that thorough preparation is the key to converting potential into results.
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