Hyundai is “not fairly there but” with its choice concerning who will pilot its third World Rally Championship entry subsequent 12 months, though Autosport understands Adrien Fourmaux is the favorite.
The Korean marque has already confirmed that it has retained the companies of Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak, however plans for its third entry are but to be introduced.
Hyundai has been evaluating its choices for its third automotive, having chosen to separate the entry throughout Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen this 12 months.
Lappi – who tasted victory in Sweden – has tackled gravel rallies, with Sordo known as upon for tough gravel occasions and Mikkelsen largely employed as an asphalt specialist.
The prospect of using the companies of a driver to pilot the automotive on a full-time foundation seems to be an possibility Hyundai is critically investigating.
When requested about the workforce’s plans for its third automotive ultimately weekend’s Central European Rally, Hyundai workforce principal Cyril Abiteboul advised Autosport: “We’re at all times nearer to one thing. There are discussions and people will flip into choices and that can flip into a choice. We’re not fairly there but.
“You may at all times take into consideration a variety of issues however proper now we’re taking part in for 3 [cars next year], however we’re retaining our eyes open on alternatives.”
Hypothesis continues to level to Fourmaux leaving M-Sport-Ford to take up the seat at Hyundai on a full-time foundation.
Adrien Fourmaux, M-Sport Ford World Rally Group
Picture by: M-Sport
The Frenchman was beforehand linked with Hyundai final 12 months and has been a revelation on his return to Rally1 this season with M-Sport, scoring 4 podium finishes. Final weekend a entrance differential drawback price him an opportunity to extend his podium tally.
Previous to final weekend’s Central European Rally, M-Sport workforce principal Richard Millener stated his driver line-up plans had been “up within the air” and that nothing had been signed with anybody for 2025.
Fourmaux remained coy when requested if he knew the place his future lies subsequent 12 months, stating: “We all know will probably be in a Rally1 [car].
“There are for positive some distractions however as a driver it’s worthwhile to be taught to reside with it,” he added, referring to the hypothesis linking him to Hyundai.
Rally Sweden winner Lappi has beforehand indicated that he can be serious about a continuation of his part-time function, whereas Sordo has been linked to extra of a administration place inside the workforce for subsequent 12 months.
Mikkelsen, who will pilot the third automotive within the Japan season finale subsequent month, was unable to offer readability on his plans for subsequent 12 months.
When requested forward of final weekend’s rally if he was assured he would stay driving a Rally1 automotive subsequent 12 months he stated: ”No, however we’ll see.
“I haven’t thought an excessive amount of about [what I will do next year], I haven’t talked to anyone, to be sincere, my focus is on right here.”
Andreas Mikkelsen, Hyundai World Rally Group
Picture by: McKlein / Motorsport Photos
The three-time WRC rally winner delivered spectacular velocity final week, working as excessive as third earlier than a crash on Friday ended his podium hopes.
“I come from this rally with an excellent feeling, to be sincere. We struggled a lot in Monte Carlo and Croatia to search out some form of feeling with the automotive, and clearly it is rather totally different in comparison with a Rally2 automotive,” he added.
“From the primary stage, I felt actually comfy with the automotive and it’s the first time I actually felt at one with it, which you really want when you find yourself combating with these guys which might be so quick and within the automobiles on a regular basis.
“In that approach, I really feel a bit lighter as a result of I actually didn’t get the rallies I needed this 12 months, I acquired all tarmac, and once I’m struggling to get the sensation, it was good to return this weekend and get a special vibe and feeling. I’m trying ahead to Japan.”