Cyril Abiteboul and the future of Hyundai drivers: “We must build the future”

Dani Sordo was chosen to compete in the rally du Portugal et il sera aussi du voyage en Sardaigne. Il semble également que le Kenya figure à son calendrier. L’Espagnol ne souhaite en revanche pas participer à l’Estonie et la Finlande. Chez  Hyundai, la réflexion suit son cours pour mettre en place la meilleure solution concernant la personne pour compléter le programme. « It’s not a simple decision., recognize Abiteboul. I find that there has been a lack of investment from everyone in the young drivers and we find ourselves in a situation where there is no obvious solution. We need to see how to remanufacture talent. » When the Hyundai boss is reminded that the team had Oliver Solberg in its ranks last year and that he was removed, he smiles: “ We know where he is... There are several options. » In order to make its choice, the Korean manufacturer will however have to decide on the strategy it wishes to develop. “ We could take a mercenary for a few events, confirms the Frenchman, but I believe that the subject of pilots is something that develops over time. We cannot be opportunistic and only look at the end of this season. I think we need to build the sequel. I encourage Hyundai and it is a decision that must be supported by Korea not to think about 6 months, but about 3 years. » Abiteboul, who went to the edge of a special stage in Portugal for the first time, continues his reasoning. “ We have several question marks on this subject, he confirms. We've lost Ott Tänak, Craig obviously, Esapekka arrived and he experienced two rallies in which he was stationary and two where he was fine so we still have doubts. I think now we need to bring in some new blood and that could be someone well known. We are not excluding anything, but we will have to start closing options and retaining others. » While it is certain that behind the scenes the team is working hard to define the best strategy, the Portuguese week did not provide a clear answer to the path that will be followed.