Hyundai plans to use the upgraded model of the i20 N Rally1 for the first time at the Rally Sweden: Monte Carlo as a transitional rally
Thierry Neuville hopes that the long-awaited revised model of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 will make its World Rally Championship (WRC) debut at the Rally Sweden in February. “Hopefully in Sweden,” Neuville replies to Autosport when asked when the new car will be seen at a rally for the first time.
The South Korean manufacturer’s factory team spent much of last season developing a significant upgrade to its rally car for the 2025 season. However, Hyundai will start the new WRC season in Monte Carlo next week with the 2024 model – adapted to the new regulations that dispense with hybrid drives.
Originally, Hyundai had planned to homologate an almost completely new car for the 2025 season. However, this plan was discarded due to uncertainties related to the technical regulations for 2025. Instead, Hyundai developed a major upgrade package that utilized four homologation wildcards.
Revised development plan for 2025
The team has not yet released details of the changes to the car. However, the drivers tested the revised model last season and development continued over the winter. It is now expected that the revised i20 N Rally1 will be used for the first time at the Rally Sweden from February 13 to 16.
When asked about the improvements, Neuville said: “It’s good. We are very limited in what we can change, but I feel comfortable in the new car.”
Monte Carlo as a transition rally
Hyundai’s team principal Cyril Abiteboul was recently unconcerned about the fact that the 2025 upgrade will not be ready in time for Monte Carlo. World champion Thierry Neuville shares this view, as the 2025 Monte-Carlo Rally is a special event.
“It’s not a problem [driving the 2024 model]. It’s a specific event and the [new Hankook] tire will be the biggest challenge in Monte Carlo anyway,” Neuville explains.
“There are a lot of new variables: the changes to the car, the removal of the hybrid system and the lighter weight. It will depend on how comfortable we feel in the car after a few stages – that could be crucial,” said the title defender.
Change of management at Hyundai
In addition to the technical changes for 2025, Hyundai has also restructured its management over the winter. The surprising departure of Christian Loriaux, the WRC team’s program manager, left its mark.
Loriaux, who has played a crucial role as a technical advisor to the team since 2021, has now moved to Overdrive Racing to work on Toyota’s rally raid program.
“It came as a surprise, and we are obviously disappointed that he has left the team,“ Neuville says. ‘But he achieved one of his goals – [our win] of the drivers’ title – and he has the opportunity to take on a new challenge. I wish him all the best.”
