Hyundai introduces an engine upgrade on its i20 Coupe

Hyundai crosses the Atlantic with a conquering spirit with a view to Rally of Argentina 2018. The official team remains on two consecutive victories, in 2016 with Hayden Paddon, last year with Thierry Neuville in a breathtaking finish against Elfyn Evans (Ford, 0,7 seconds difference).

Ahead of the fifth round of the World Rally Championship (WRC), Hyundai spent its token to install an engine upgrade in the i20 Coupe. The objective is to preserve the head of the Manufacturers ranking on M-Sport Ford (four points advantage). “We have some improvements and other upgrades for Argentina”, explains Michel Nandan, Hyundai Team Principal.

The trio of crews planned for Argentina also went to Portugal for three days of testing to validate this engine development. “However, we know that our adversaries do a lot of work in this sector. » He doesn't think he's saying that well; Citroën also used a joker, to improve the rear axle of its C3.

The most regular of Hyundai men this spring, Dani sordo (2nd in Mexico, 4th in Corsica), rents “a special rally for everyone due to the large number of spectators.” “It’s always nice to see so many people cheering you on along the roads. »

18 gravel stages, run over 360km. Lots of fan support and some happy memories of past victories: this is Rally Argentina! #HMSGOfficial #WRC #RallyArgentina pic.twitter.com/kwE9nxqJ7V

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) April 20th

Argentina is also suitable for Andreas Mikkelsen, author of a podium in 2016, absent in 2017 because not yet committed to Hyundai. “It’s one of my favorite rounds. The special stages are made of a particular surface, with a lot of sand. It suits me more, I can attack better in the corners. The courses can become quite severe for the car in the second pass, it will be important to take care of the car. »

As for Thierry Neuville, second in the Drivers' standings, 17 points behind Sébastien Ogier, he plans to double the stake. “I hope to achieve a similar result to my victory in 2017, although it is an extremely demanding event for both the car and the drivers. We cannot take this meeting lightly. »