Hyundai reveals first 2022 hybrid WRC car

The marque has been working its new car hard already, with rigorous testing taking place from May last year. Just as well, too, given the two-time consecutive manufacturers’ championship winner says it’s gunning for a third in what will be its ninth season in 2022, and more silverware beyond.

“We are excited to be part of this new hybrid era of WRC and to demonstrate Hyundai’s firm commitment to international motorsport,” said Scott Noh, President of Hyundai Motorsport.

“From a corporate perspective, it is important for Hyundai to be associated with road-relevant technology; the WRC move to hybrid brings together the brand’s motorsport and road car activities. We are confident we have the package to fight for our third manufacturers’ title – and to support our crews to be in the hunt for the drivers’/co-drivers’ titles too.”

Piloting the new Rally1 i20 will be proven crews Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, Ott Tänak and Martin Jarveoja, while Oliver Solberg and Dani Sordo will share duties in a third car alongside Elliott Edmondson. While Hyundai has brought home two team titles in the last few years – the quest for the hat-trick was interrupted in 2021 by Toyota – the kicker for Neuville or Tänak would be a title of their very own.

We’ll get our first indication of what’s what when the new Rally1 machinery gets to work at the Monte Carlo season-opener on 20^th-23^rd January. Before then, the covers will need to come off the Hyundai’s rivals. 2022’s star machines are slowly beginning to emerge…