Hyundai disappointed in Sweden: "We realized it would be more difficult than expected."

Fifth, sixth and seventh at the finish of the Rally from Sweden, Hyundai leaves without a podium finish, with Adrien fourmaux (+1'50''3), Esapekka Lappi (+1'53''2) and Thierry Neuville (+3'45''9). A frustrating result that Andrew Wheatley, Hyundai's team director, is not trying to downplay.

“We thought we were in the performance window after testing, not necessarily the fastest, but capable of challenging for the podium. From the shakedown and Thursday evening’s special stage, we understood that it would be more difficult than expected.”"Admits Hyundai's sporting director to AUTOhebdo. The conclusion is quickly clear: "We are not able to obtain maximum traction."

Constrained by technical limitations during the competition, the Korean manufacturer had to make do without being able to radically transform its car. “Many sections are closed during the rally, so we can’t make unlimited changes. We had to work around these restrictions. I think we’ve taken a step forward, but it’s not enough.” Wheatley believes above all that the gap has widened compared to Toyota : "We're roughly at the same performance level we were at in 2025. Toyota has made a big step forward, and it's only now that we really understand where they stand."

To correct the situation, Hyundai changed its testing strategy by relocating its permanent base from Finland to the south of France. "The choice wasn't made for the start of the season, but rather for the end, where there will be many gravel rallies. We knew it would compromise Sweden a little, perhaps more than expected."

The Château de Lastours and Fontjoncouse sites should allow for the accumulation of more kilometers under demanding conditions. "The important thing is to be able to ride a lot without the usual testing restrictions. It's difficult, but it's exactly what we need for these events." Despite concerns expressed by some drivers over the weekend, Wheatley refuses to talk about an internal crisis. "It's not a fear of losing someone. It's frustration. We thought we were closer to the pace. Now we have to start again for the next challenge."

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Attention is already turning to the Safari Rally Kenya, whose profile differs significantly from Sweden. “Kenya won’t be exactly the same challenge. Here, the main problem is the very low grip. When you have a surface with reasonable friction, like on traditional gravel rallies, the gap is much smaller.” In this context, Hyundai approaches the African round with slightly higher expectations than the Swedish result would suggest. The characteristics of Kenya, considered more favorable to their chassis, should offer a more consistent platform for the work carried out in recent weeks and allow for a more precise measurement of the progress made.

Interview by Pierre Barré, in Umeå, in Sweden.