Hyundai's challenges in Portugal

With a double podium in Croatia, Hyundai advances with confidence to Portugal (May 19-22), the first round of the hybrid gravel era. The fourth rally of the season will also mark the debut of Dani Sordo this year.

Published on 13/05/2022 à 15:25

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After achieving a double podium in Croatia, Hyundai wants to continue its good streak in Portugal. © Hyundai Motorsport GmbH

Après un double podium acquis en Croatie, Hyundai Motorsport débarque au Portugal avec l’ambition de s’emparer de la victoire à Matosinhos. Pour la quatrième manche du calendrier 2022, la tâche de l’écurie coréenne va se révéler compliquée. Du 19 au 22 mai, en plus du plateau habituel, le WRC will also welcome the nine- and eight-time world champions, Sébastien Loeb et Sébastien Ogier.

The fourth stage of the 2022 season will especially mark the first of the hybrid era on gravel roads. A first big test this season for Hyundai Motorsport. “ Portugal is a rally very fun to drive and one I really enjoy. This is the first time this year that we are competing on dirt, so this will be our first indicator of our competitiveness ", Explain Ott Tänak, the 2019 World Champion.

Dani Sordo's debut this season with Hyundai in Portugal

After a disappointing Monte Carlo Rally, marked by 6th place in Thierry Neuville and the two retirements of Ott Tänak and Oliver Solberg, the Korean brand raised the bar during the last round. “ We head into Rally Portugal with a positive feeling after our best performance of the season so far in Croatia, enthuses Team Principal Julien Moncet. It was great to see our crews fighting for the overall victory of the rally, and although we didn't take the win, it was good to get on the podium twice. The entire Hyundai Motorsport team has worked tirelessly to improve the car over the past few months and it is clear that our efforts are making a real difference. »

The Rally Portugal also marks the debut of Dani Sordo and Cándido Carrera in the hybrid era. The pair will discover their Hyundai i20 for the first time in competition next Thursday, replacing Oliver Solberg in the official team. “ I hope to have a good rhythm with the car and adapt quickly to this new challenge. It won't be easy because the other drivers have already done three rallies, so I hope the feeling with the car will come quickly ", declares the Spanish driver, accustomed to good results in Portugal, with five podiums, including a second place last year.

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