Despite Hyundai Motorsport making history with its maiden World Rally Championship (WRC) Drivers’ title, Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal and president of Hyundai Motorsport, acknowledges that the team still has ground to make up on their dominant competitor, Toyota. Although 2024 marked a significant achievement for Hyundai, the battle for the WRC championship is far from over, and Abiteboul is focused on pushing the team even further in the upcoming season.
A Historic 2024 Season for Hyundai Motorsport
The 2024 season was a defining moment for Hyundai Motorsport, as Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe made history by becoming the first Hyundai crew to secure both the drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles at the FORUM8 Rally Japan. This victory marked a major achievement for the team, breaking Toyota’s dominance in the sport. However, Abiteboul acknowledges that while the win was monumental, there is still much work to be done.
The Intense Battle with Toyota
Abiteboul reflected on the 2024 season as a highly competitive year, particularly with Toyota. The Japanese manufacturer had dominated both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles for three consecutive years. Their dominance in the WRC had made them a formidable opponent, especially in the drivers’ race, where Toyota had maintained a five-year streak of victories.
Hyundai’s performance at the FORUM8 Rally Japan showcased their pace and potential to challenge Toyota, as they led much of the rally. However, multiple issues, including two accidents and a turbocharger failure, allowed Toyota to capitalize on the situation, eventually securing the victory in the final stages. Despite the setbacks, Abiteboul acknowledged the intensity of the season and praised Toyota’s performance, particularly on the Wolf Power Stage, where their pace was unmatched.
Looking Ahead to 2025: More Challenges and Opportunities
While 2024 was an extraordinary year for Hyundai Motorsport, Abiteboul emphasizes that there is still much to accomplish in 2025. The team will look to build on their successes, learning from the challenges faced in 2024. “We look forward to doing battle again in 2025 and hopefully taking another step up to compete toe-to-toe with Toyota at an incredibly competitive level,” Abiteboul said. This sentiment reflects Hyundai’s determination to close the gap and challenge Toyota’s supremacy in the WRC.
Hyundai’s Strategy for 2025
Abiteboul’s comments highlight a strategic shift for Hyundai Motorsport as they prepare for the 2025 season. The team has shown they have the pace, and with continued development of their Puma Rally 1 hybrid and a commitment to consistency, they are poised to compete at the highest level. The 2024 season proved that Hyundai is capable of going toe-to-toe with Toyota, but to secure the title, they must eliminate costly errors and maintain their form throughout the season.
Hyundai’s 2025 strategy will likely involve further strengthening their line-up, refining their car’s performance, and enhancing their overall team coordination. With the experience and knowledge gained from the 2024 season, Hyundai Motorsport is looking forward to a more consistent and competitive performance in 2025.
A Bright Future for Hyundai Motorsport
Cyril Abiteboul’s reflections on 2024 showcase both pride and determination as Hyundai Motorsport looks to solidify their position in the World Rally Championship. While they have made significant strides in the last season, the team is focused on the challenges that 2025 will bring, particularly in continuing their fight against Toyota. Hyundai is prepared to use their recent successes as a foundation for further development, and with their eyes on the future, they are poised to take another step forward in the competitive world of WRC. The road to victory is long, but Hyundai is ready to push their limits and battle for the top spot once again.