Yves Matton: “It’s not just a system lying around on a shelf”

Quelle a été votre réaction lorsque Hyundai a finalement donné son accord pour le WRC hybrid from next year? Did you dance around your chair, did you jump on the table?

(Laughs) For a while, I had been confident that this was going to happen, because I had received positive feedback from Hyundai not long before. It was more of a formalization of something that we were waiting for, but as long as the papers are not signed, there is always a doubt that remains... especially in the period we are going through!

This lasted more than six months. Was this time helpful in resolving any questions or was it wasted time?

I don't think it was a waste of time. Things, like the development of cars, continued on their way, despite this late formalization. We did not take this into account to continue moving forward.

From the start, you have displayed unwavering confidence regarding the signing of all three teams. Why were you so sure?

I have always had a more medium and long term approach. Several months ago, I visited the builders. With the elements that they had revealed to me in terms of the range of cars developed and according to the different technologies in the different disciplines, I had drawn the conclusion that if they wanted to promote through motorsport in the next three years, the WRC was the best vector. There was logic in their being present. This does not mean that it was not necessary to take care of it by providing data to reassure management.

How satisfied are you today?

I am happy that the competition is entering a new stage with manufacturers committing for three years. This had never happened. I appreciate the fact that I managed to change something in the WRC. Now, the promoter and organizers know that there will be three brands for at least until 2024. This allows them to invest in this championship with more peace of mind.

Find the entire interview with Yves Matton in AUTOhebdo N°2310 available in digital version.