Hyundai reignites its World Rally Championship aspirations with a new i20 WRC challenger.
Hyundai will return to WRC rally competition in partnership with Shell under the name Hyundai Shell World Rally Team. The Alzenau, Germany-based outfit unveiled its Hyundai i20 WRC 2014 car and livery today as preparations for its full debut in Monte Carlo next month continue apace.
The team also showed off its driver line-up for the 2014 season. Thierry Neuveille will serve as lead driver, while Juho Hannihen, who will drive a second i20 at selected events, was also on hand. Dani Sordo and Chris Atkinson will partner Neuville at various events during the 2014 season, with Sordo confirmed to run at the season opening Ralley Monte-Carlo and Atkinson set for Rally Australia.
Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, Michel Nandan, said: “We have worked tremendously hard to get where we are today and to be able to launch our new WRC team to the world,”
“In less than one year, we have built and tested a brand new WRC-specification car, the Hyundai i20 WRC, and established a professional team and modern motorsport facility.”
“It’s a huge accomplishment but we know that we have a lot to learn in our first season. Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. If all goes well, we will hope to be competing for occasional podiums as the year progresses.”
2014 Hyundai i20 WRC Pictures
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