Hyundai, M-Sport and Toyota in WRC until the end of 2024

The wait was starting to be long, even worrying. If M-Sport et Toyota had already said “yes” last summer, Hyundai left doubt. With the Korean firm needing more time, the FIA ​​has not closed the door.

Deadlines were pushed back and then disappeared as negotiations continued. The federal authority's requirement for brands to be involved for three years was one of the causes of this delay, as were the effects of the pandemic on the automobile markets.

Finally, with the next season starting in just nine months, Hyundai has given its agreement.

« Hyundai Motorsport exists to support the global goals set by Hyundai Motor Company, providing a credible platform to showcase current and future automotive technology, declared Andrea Adamo, the boss of the manufacturer's sports branch.

Through track competitions and rallies, we are able to influence and guide the development of tomorrow's road-going Hyundais. We are therefore happy to support the future direction chosen by the FIA ​​and the Promoter of the WRC with the new hybrid regulations from 2022.

We will develop our car around the Hyundai i20 N, itself inspired by our success in the WRC. As two-time world champions, we welcome this new challenge with the intention of making Hyundai shine again in this new era. » 

Manufacturers involved

From the FIA ​​side, this announcement is excellent news, because a WRC with only two competitors would have greatly lost its interest. The manufacturers present agreed to sign until 2024.

Even if we must be wary of the solidity of this type of commitment, the FIA ​​welcomes itself, guaranteeing that “ this should provide more stability, better opportunities in program planning as well as a new marketable asset for all stakeholders. »

In addition, the FIA ​​is introducing an innovative partnership model in which the three teams will participate in the costs of developing the technology in place for this new era with several areas of work: safety, cost control and sustainability.

Through this model, entry into the world championship will move in 2022 to a numerus clausus system of four shares, allocated respectively to each of the current manufacturers and the FIA. Now that the foundations seem to have been laid, the teams will have to work hard to develop their 1 Rally2022 and learn to master the hybrid system.

In the right direction

« The FIA ​​World Rally Championship is about to reach a milestone in its history with the arrival of the new generation cars from 2022, declared Jean Todt, the president of the FIA.

This switch to plug-in hybrid technology not only reflects current trends in the automotive industry, but also makes the sport more sustainable from an ecological point of view.

This was made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the manufacturers and the FIA. The fact that the three brands currently involved have renewed their commitment for a period of three years is proof that the rally world is moving in the right direction.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success. And this goes hand in hand with the transition to renewable energy, one of the major objectives of the FIA ​​and its “Purpose Driven” movement. ". World rallying still has a bright future ahead of it.