Hyundai to “double its efforts” after complete review of tough WRC opener

The 2019 and 2020 WRC manufacturers' champions faced a myriad of reliability issues during a particularly challenging start to the WRC’s new hybrid era, leaving the team firmly behind its rivals Toyota and M-Sport Ford. 

This week the team will sit down to address its problems with deputy team director Julien Moncet confirming its staff will now have to double its efforts to catch the opposition. Across the weekend the I20 N’s performance improved, but its reliability problems, ranging from engine, hybrid and suspension, proved to be its downfall. 

Only one of its three I20 Ns reached the finish with Thierry Neuville coming home sixth, albeit seven minutes and 42.6s behind the rally leader Sebastien Loeb after losing time to a broken front right damper. The Belgian also described his car as “scary” to drive in Friday’s stages, but was able to win a test on Sunday.

Hyundai elected to withdraw its entry for Oliver Solberg on Sunday with the Swede and co-driver Elliott Edmondson feeling unwell after being subjected to exhaust fumes coming into their car for two days. The issue contributed to Solberg losing concentration and running off the road on stage 10, losing 35 minutes in the process. 

Ott Tanak was forced to retire on Saturday night after he clouted a rock face running on slick tyres during an icy section in stage 11. He had already picked up a puncture before and was only carrying one spare, so when a second puncture occurred after the crash, it ended his rally. 

Moncet expected a tough opener given the team has been playing catch up to its rivals, who committed earlier to the new rules. However, he declared the situation his team faces as “bad” but “under control” with a month until the next round in Sweden.  

“It