Neuville claims Hyundai’s WRC future is still undecided despite speculation

Thierry Neuville has insisted that Hyundai is but to resolve on its World Rally Championship future, describing latest hypothesis the model has already opted to go away on the finish of 2025 as “unfounded”.

The reigning world champion and Hyundai WRC stalwart has responded to a report in Belgian media that claims the Korean marque has already made a name to go away the class on the finish of this season. It additionally advised that Hyundai’s alleged impending departure meant the WRC’s high class would transfer to Rally2 equipment for subsequent 12 months.

Talking after shakedown at Safari Rally Kenya, Neuville admitted the group’s future was “unsure” however provided a agency response to ideas {that a} choice had been made.

Autosport additionally understands Hyundai is but to make a name on its 2026 future, though a call is predicted earlier than summer time.

“Like everybody else, we simply realized of those rumours, that are clearly unfounded,” mentioned Neuville.

“They had been simply thrown on the market to create a buzz. It was a shock for everybody. It notably annoys me as a result of it reveals a scarcity of respect for all of the folks on the group who battle and stand up each morning motivated to do their job properly and for the continuation of this programme.

“They’re clearly afraid that it’s going to cease, however I’m in a great place to let you know that no choice has been made.

“Hyundai’s future is unsure, however till a call is made, I believe spreading rumours like this isn’t justified. We should depart it to the choice makers to resolve what’s going to occur.”

Hyundai has been ever-present within the WRC since rejoining the class for a second spell in 2014. In that point it has received producers’ crowns in 2019 and 2020, whereas Neuville secured its first drivers’ title final season. This 12 months it has dedicated 4 homologation jokers to enhance its i20 N Rally1 machine.

Nonetheless, hypothesis surrounding Hyundai’s WRC future has been rife since final season when the model dedicated to the 2025 marketing campaign, however wouldn’t touch upon its future for 2026 and past.

The uncertainty over its future emerged round plans for the marque to hitch the World Endurance Championship, beneath its Genesis umbrella, which was formally confirmed late final 12 months.

Hypothesis over Hyundai’s WRC future gathered momentum when the group handed solely a one-year contract extension to Neuville final September. There have additionally been ideas that Hyundai WRC’s programme may very well be run by a personal operation from 2026.   

Neuville beforehand admitted that his personal long-term WRC future would seemingly be decided by what Hyundai decides shifting ahead.

The WRC revealed final 12 months that it could undertake new rules for 2027, shifting in direction of Rally2-specification vehicles, which it hopes is not going to solely hold the present producers however enhance the variety of rivals.  

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Crew Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Picture by: Vincent Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport

Neuville’s team-mate Ott Tanak was additionally requested about Hyundai’s future, including: “Clearly in the mean time so many issues are absolutely open, I suppose in the mean time it is extremely tough to provide any rationalization.

“I suppose no one on the within is aware of what’s coming for subsequent 12 months. For the time being it appears every little thing is open. I believe the long run regulation is open and the groups are open, it’s all open.”

Talking to Autosport final 12 months about its 2026 plans, Hyundai group principal Cyril Abiteboul mentioned: “We’re exploiting the [homologation] joker functionality in the absolute best method [to improve the i20 N Rally1 car for 2025], and if we do this frankly we’d not need to do this for one 12 months.

“Our aim is to be right here for a few years and we’ve a contract with Thierry that caters to that, however what we are able to affirm proper right here, proper now could be this partnership being prolonged between Hyundai and Thierry for 2025.

“The choice [surrounding Hyundai’s WRC future in 2026] shouldn’t be made, and we’ll discuss 2026 in due time. It’s not the time now, now could be the time to concentrate on 2024 and 2025, and we’d like a lot of issues for our plans to be formalised for 2026.”