Hyundai, victory in tribute to Craig Breen?

Le Rally of Croatia is necessarily an important date in the calendar for all those involved in the WRC, and particularly for the clan Hyundai. Last year, the rally world lost Craig Breen, at the start of the rally in the Balkans. Obviously, this new edition will be marked by numerous tributes to honor the memory of the Hyundai driver. Starting with the reappearance of the special livery in the colors of Ireland.

“It is of course emotional to return to Croatia after losing Craig a year ago, highlights Cyril Abiteboul, team principal of the Korean team. We want to pay tribute to him and we have tried to do that through our charitable efforts and adding the Irish flag to our car. »

For Hyundai, the best possible tribute would be to perform on Croatian asphalt. « For both championships, and for Craig, we want to finish as close as possible to the top step of the podium. A victory would end the weekend well. ", continues the French engineer.

The Croatian challenge

After a complicated Kenya Rally, Hyundai wants to relaunch on a 100% asphalt event, the first of the season. The Hyundai i20 Rally1 Hybrid has already shown, in Monte-Carlo, that it is capable of performing on this surface. Which makes Thierry Neuville optimistic about his chances of securing a good result.

“Croatia is one of the most demanding asphalt rallies I have participated in, breathes the Belgian pilot. There are a lot of blind corners, crests and jumps, which is very unusual for an asphalt event. The car must be perfectly tuned in both the dry and wet due to the unpredictability of the weather. It is essential to finish in the top three to maintain the lead in the drivers' championship. Our main goal is victory. »

Return of Andreas Mikkelsen

Andreas Mikkelsen is also taking advantage of this rally to get back behind the wheel. The Norwegian will begin his second event, after a 6th place in Monte Carlo, during the opening round. “I feel very good after a good start to the season in Monte-Carlo, explains the person concerned. It's great to get back behind the wheel of the Hyundai for a round of the WRC. Obviously our position on the road at the start of the weekend will be a disadvantage, especially if it rains, due to the amount of mud that is kicked up. We are aiming for a podium, but if the conditions become difficult, we want to finish in the top 5.”

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