With the signing of Ott Tänak, Hyundai’s team structure in the 2024 WRC will change – code of conduct being drawn up
Managing these two alpha dogs will be a challenge, according to team boss Cyril Abiteboul, but one for which he believes his team is better equipped than in the past. Among other things, he wants to ensure with a code of conduct that the team-internal duel between the two top stars does not escalate.
“Yes, for sure [managing the two drivers will be a challenge], but I feel the organisation is ready for it,” Abiteboul tells Autosport, “But I don’t think they would have been ready this year.”
“But after this year of learning, I’m pretty sure we can do it,” the team boss is convinced. “Once we have a clear understanding of the competitive environment, we will set a clear goal and code of conduct for the team and the drivers for next year. Certainly, priorities have to be set a little differently when you have two rally winners and two championship contenders in the team.”
During Neuville and Tänak’s first time together at Hyundai from 2020 to 2022, tensions sometimes arose within the team. This became clear after the 2022 Acropolis Rally, when Tänak publicly criticised a team order that helped Neuville to victory.
A clear target for the 2024 WRC season is not something Abiteboul wants to issue at this stage. “Before I say what we want to achieve next year, I want to see what the competition looks like. I think we will be the first to announce our plans for next year, at least for two cars,” said the motorsport boss, referring to the competition, especially from Toyota, who have not yet confirmed any drivers for 2024 but are likely to stick with their current drivers.
With two top drivers, a new team structure and an improved Hyundai i20 N Rally1, Abiteboul is confident his team will be in a position to challenge Toyota’s current WRC dominators in the 2024 season.
“Last year, when I was not there, they did their best. The team took five wins with a car that they said was not really competitive and reliable, which I think says something,” Abiteboul says, looking ahead to the 2022 season. “I think the car is a bit more competitive and reliable than last year. “
