Monte-Carlo 2024 preparation, a day on the snow for Hyundai

On the road leading to the Orcières ski resort, there were sections where the thermometer dropped to -9 C°. Combined with these very wintery temperatures, the landscape was in tune with frost on the road and powder snow on the heights creating a very “Monte-Carl’” atmosphere. After having already carried out 3 days of testing with, in order, Thierry Neuville, Ott Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen, Hyundai had scheduled a media day allowing lucky journalists to sit in the i20 Rally1. During these few hours, the manufacturer was not allowed to put two team members together in the car. For those who had to take a seat behind the wheel, there was still the possibility of accumulating kilometers and evolving on a surface that they had not yet experienced.

The chosen base was in fact a path located at the Ubac where the sun does not venture all winter. On a reasonable layer of ice, the snow covering the road had only been cleared on the morning of the 3 km session. Having completed his very first laps with a Rally1 the day before on a completely dry road surface with very good grip, Andreas Mikkelsen indicated that he had some aches. “ I'm a little stiff this morning, he smiled. However, I can't wait to drive the car again. »

Tests in all conditions

Trying different tires, the Norwegian was able to see the behavior of his i20 with snow tires, with snow-studded tires and even slicks. It is with the latter that the pilot's passages proved to be the most spectacular if not effective. Although the number of kilometers traveled was not astonishing, the Nordic was able to complete his knowledge of the Rally1 that he was discovering. We must now see what the weather and road conditions will be like for the 92^e edition of the test.

After Mikkelsen left, Thierry Neuville took over for a few runs before dark. There too, the spectators on the side of the road, in "Picard" mode, were able to enjoy the spectacle, the Belgian also making a round trip with tires absolutely not suited to the circumstances forcing the Belgian to often aggressive driving at the limit. “ You shouldn't drive like that for too long. », laughed Thierry at the end of the exercise. While the entire Hyundai workforce hit the road for Alzenau on Sunday morning, that's when M-Sport began to settle down to start its trials with Adrien fourmaux.

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