Esapekka Lappi and Craig Breen to join Hyundai Motorsport in 2023

In addition to confirming the expected arrival of Esapekka Lappi, the team based in Germany will once again place its trust in Craig Breen for a limited number of participations. While rumors announcing the arrival of Cyril Abiteboul in place of Julien Moncet are circulating, nothing has yet been declared for the position of director.

À l’issue d’une saison compliquée et agitée en interne avec plusieurs départs, l’équipe Hyundai va connaître de nombreux changements pour 2023. Côté pilotes, le constructeur coréen avait été le premier a provoquer de l’animation sur le marché des transferts en se séparant d’Oliver Solberg juste après la Nouvelle-Zélande. Le team avait alors indiqué qu’il préférait se tourner vers un pilote expérimenté.

Several scenarios had been considered and it was Andreas Mikkelsen who seemed to hold the rope to share the calendar with Dani Sordo. Everything was called into question by the announcement of the departure ofOtt Tänak one year before the end of his commitment.

The prospect of being able to compete in 14 rounds fueled desire and Julien Moncet found himself spoiled for choice. It was ultimately Esapekka Lappi who was chosen as the teammate of Thierry Neuville. With a 2-year contract, the Finn once again becomes a permanent player in the WRC after having partially raced (7 rallies) this year.

À 31 ans, celui qui disait pourtant qu’il aimait passer du temps avec ses trois enfants va découvrir un nouvel univers et une auto qui n’a pas la réputation d’être facile à piloter. En 4 ans, Lappi aura visité les trois teams majeurs, après M-Sport en 2020, le TGR en 2022 et maintenant Hyundai. A Alzenau, il apprendra à collaborer avec Neuville, mais également Craig Breen.

Dismissed by M-Sport after a disappointing season, the latter will return to an environment that he knows well since he already wore its colors between 2019 and 2021, competing in only a few targeted rounds. This will be the case again next year. On paper, the 32-year-old Irishman constitutes the perfect complement to Dani Sordo, the two drivers not enjoying the same events.