Hyundai has yet to announce its plans for the forthcoming WRC season. The regulations will change significantly, with the new Rally1 cars set to be much closer in performance to Rally2 machinery next year.
Hyundai has previously said that the Korean manufacturer will not build a Rally1 car or even produce a performance-enhancing kit for its current Rally2 car. This stance has raised questions about the manufacturer's commitment to the top tier of rallying.
"We are still waiting to find out where Rally2 cars will compete next season," sporting director Wheatley told RallyJournal.com during Rally Chile. His comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding the regulatory framework.
Governing body the FIA has yet to reveal what form the WRC structure will take next year. In theory, Rally1 cars, Rally2 cars fitted with a kit and standard Rally2 cars could all compete for rally victories, but it is not yet known which championships the different categories of car will contest.
"We want to know in which championships our car can compete. From our side, everything is open at the moment." Hyundai has therefore yet to confirm even whether it intends to run its cars in every round of the season.
The options are to run the cars through either a factory or satellite team. Wheatley insisted, however, that the team is developing its current Rally2 car for next season. "Our priority is to build the best Rally2 car we can. There has been a huge amount of work, and I think the car has some really nice, interesting things on it," Wheatley said in praise of the car.
With regulations still up in the air, Hyundai appears to be hedging its bets, focusing on Rally2 while awaiting clarity from the FIA. The final decision will hinge on the championship structure and where Rally2 cars will be allowed to compete. Meanwhile, rally fans are left wondering whether Hyundai will remain a force in the WRC or shift its focus to a more cost-effective category.
Baca Juga
Thierry Neuville mengucapkan selamat tinggal pada mobil Rally1 di tes terakhir jelang Rally Sardinia, penutup musim WRC 2026 sebelum regulasi WRC27 berlaku.
Esapekka Lappi pensiun dari WRC setelah 95 start, dua kemenangan, dan 15 podium. Pembalap Finlandia ini akan fokus pada keluarga setelah balapan terakhir di Porvoo.
Esapekka Lappi mengungkap alasan pensiun dari WRC, termasuk dampak tragedi Craig Breen dan keinginan fokus ke keluarga. Simak cerita lengkapnya.
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