Continuing the victorious momentum, Hyundai's objective on the Acropolis

In the space of a few rallies, Hyundai has once again become a serious contender for victory. Reliability adjusted, performance unlocked, drivers reassured: the Korean team has transformed since the start of the season. With the succession of two victories in WRC, in Finland then in Belgium, Hyundai proved that it had the weapons to fight against the Toyota. “We go to Greece with the certainty that we can achieve another good result after our victories, estimates Julien Moncet, the team's deputy director. These performances showed that the Hyundai i20 is capable of winning on any surface, and so we will continue to aim for victory in every event. »

Ignoring tensions at Hyundai

An ambitious goal while Hyundai is still going through complicated times within the team. Emerging tensions between Ott Tänak et Thierry Neuville took another turn during the last rally, in Ypres. The two teammates will have to put aside their differences to lead their team to a 4th success this season.

Very fit since the start of the summer, Ott Tänak would like to secure a third consecutive victory in Greece. “The Acropolis Rally is a great event. The roads are smoother than they look and it's nice to drive, considers the 2019 world champion. We are confident after our victory in Ypres. As we were able to get on the podium in Greece last year, we hope to be able to do the same this season. (…) We know we can be strong on this surface after our victories in Italy and Finland. » The Estonian is for the moment the only one who can compete with the championship leader, Kalle Rovanperä, despite the gulf that separates the two men (72 points).

Redemption for Neuville, comeback for Sordo

For Thierry Neuville, still looking for his first victory this season, the main objective will be to erase the drama of the Ypres Rally and stay in the championship race. “Greece is a very difficult test, judges the Belgian. We expect it to be warm, so it will feel like it's still summer. The stages are difficult, as some are very long and the conditions can be harsh in places. The days are also exhausting, with early departures and late arrivals. (…) If all goes well, our goal is to fight for the podium. »

Hyundai will also find its “veteran” Dani Sordo, who will take Oliver Solberg’s car in Greece. The Spaniard managed to get on the podium in the two rallies in which he participated (Portugal and Sardinia). “It will be a very demanding rally, because it will be hot for the cars as well as for us in the cockpit,” predicts the ex-Citroën driver. The gravel roads are also very hard on the tires, so it won't be all about speed in Greece. Of course, everyone will push hard, but you will have to be smart in certain sections and not exceed the limit. »

ALSO READ > Toyota, expected surge in Greece