Hyundai aims for first podium at Wales Rally GB

Winner twice this year in Argentina and Italy, Hyundai Motorsport helped maintain a semblance of suspense in the Manufacturers' championship before Wales Rally GB. But there is little room for doubt as to the obtaining of a fourth consecutive world crown for Volkswagen Motorsport, after the fourth coronation of Sébastien Ogier after the Rally from Spain.

The main objective for Hyundai in Great Britain will therefore be to aim for the forefront in order to place one of the three i20s WRC on the podium, which would be a first for the Korean team.

“It's a fairly complex rally with long days and often the weather can play an important factor, underlines Michel Nandan, Team Principal of Hyundai. We had a very positive season with lots of podiums.

We will thus aim to tick Wales Rally GB off our list of podium goals next weekend. Following our double podium in Spain, there is clearly positive momentum in the team. »

In this context, Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville will defend the colors of the first team, while Hayden Paddon will compete in the third i20 entered under the banner of Hyundai Motorsport N. Sordo remains on a first-rate performance at home and intends to continue his momentum.

“Wales Rally GB is a “big name” on the calendar, where we all want to aim for success, admits the Iberian pilot. Generally, the terrain is quite difficult. If it rains a lot, conditions can be very muddy and slippery.

I think we are well prepared with our car for this event. As always, I will try to do my best to evolve near the top places. We had an incredible rally in Spain, and it was fantastic to be in the fight for victory. I'll try to keep that feeling in Wales and see what we can achieve. »