Hyundai Motorsport begins testing its new i20 Rally2

After a traditional shakedown in Germany, Hyundai Motorsport this time began testing his new i20 Rally2, which should replace the current R5 version next year.

Gravel was on the program for the Korean brand with three days of driving in Italy, to be able to already accumulate 500 km of tests since the launch of the testing phase. If Jari Huttunen was alone in action in Germany, the Finn was joined in Italy by the world champion WRC In title Ott Tänak.

“We were able to work extensively around the suspension and the balance of the chassis, analyzes the Estonian. It’s clear that the car has great potential, so there’s a solid base to work from.

Given that Hyundai is starting from a new base, it is always important to get the first information on the car, and carrying out initial testing before the end of the year gives the team the chance to continue work during the winter. »

Several other drivers competing in WRC or benefiting from solid experience in R5 should follow one another in the coming months at the wheel of this Rally2 which will have to face the usual tough competition in the category, with the Citroën C3, Ford Fiesta , Skoda Fabia or Volkswagen Polo GTI.

“While these days are oriented around chassis and handling, during the development phase we will evolve on all surfaces and expand our scope to ensure that every area of ​​the chassis is optimized for different settings and riding styles , confirms Andrew Johns, Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Operations Manager.

Testing in Italy last week also set the tone for the development phase. With Ott and Jari, we had two very talented drivers on hand, and with their feedback – and that of the other drivers who will be joining testing in the coming months – our engineers will be able to ensure that the i20 Rally2 offers a complete package. »