The Hyundai drivers for the 2024 WRC season have been finalized: In addition to regular drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, three drivers will share the third i20 N Rally1
Hyundai has finalized the last driver contracts for the 2024 season and thus clarified all driver issues for the coming year. In addition to Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, who have been confirmed as regular drivers for some time, Esapekka Lappi, Dani Sordo and Andreas Mikkelsen will share the third i20 N Rally1 Hybrid
Team boss Cyril Abiteboul has already indicated that there will be three drivers: Lappi will only drive a part-time program for family reasons. Sordo has been wearing the Hyundai logo on his chest since 2014 and will also be in the cockpit of the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid at selected events in 2024. Mikkelsen last drove in WRC2 and became world champion in 2021 and 2023.
The Norwegian is now returning to the World Rally Championship (WRC), where he is already well known: Mikkelsen competed for Hyundai from 2017 to 2019. Prior to that, he raced in the Volkswagen Polo R WRC and finished third in the overall standings three times in a row
Mikkelsen returns to the premier class
“I’m delighted to be returning to the premier class of rallying with Hyundai Motorsport,” says Mikkelsen. “Since 2019, we have fought hard to return to the sport’s premier class and I am very happy that we are doing so with Hyundai.”
“We have a great opportunity in front of us and we will grab it with both hands and make the most of it. I would like to thank Hyundai Motorsport for the trust they have placed in us and we will do our best to achieve the high goals for the 2024 season.”
However, Mikkelsen will have to share the cockpit with Lappi and veteran Sordo. “I am very happy to stay with Hyundai Motorsport for another season and help the team achieve its goals for 2024,” said the Spaniard. “The rallies we will be competing in suit my driving style and I am confident that we can score a lot of points with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid.”
“I’ve been part of the family in Alzenau for over ten years now and have helped win the titles in 2019 and 2020, so I’ll do everything I can to help the team get back to the top.” The exact distribution of which driver will be in the cockpit at which event has not yet been revealed. However, it is likely that Mikkelsen will contest the opener in Monaco
What happens to Teemu Suninen?
“We are delighted to confirm the final elements of our experienced and talented WRC crew for 2024,” says Hyundai Team Principal Abiteboul. “Dani has done a great deal for the team over the past ten years, both on the track and in the factory, so we are delighted that he will be staying with us for the coming season. “
“It’s also exciting that Andreas is returning to our team, as he brings with him a proven track record and a lot of experience that will help us in both WRC and Rally2,” added Abiteboul. “The combination of Esapekka, Dani and Andreas will give us the opportunity to build the best team for each event thanks to their slightly different specialties and vast experience.”
Hyundai has not yet announced what will happen with Hyundai development drivers Teemu Suninen and Emil Lindholm. Suninen, who has impressed in his appearances in Estonia, Finland, Chile and Central Europe this season, was actually considered one of the hot candidates for the third car.
Toyota has already confirmed its driver line-up for 2024, now only M-Sport has to follow suit. According to Autosport/Motorsport.com, Adrien Fourmaux, who was also a candidate for Hyundai’s third car, will remain with Ford. Lindholm could switch from Hyundai to M-Sport and become the Frenchman’s teammate.
