Hyundai Set to Ignite 2026 Campaign at Thrilling Rally Portugal
The World Rally Championship is revving up for its first all-gravel showdown of the season, and all eyes are on Hyundai as they prepare to launch a fierce assault on Rally Portugal. After a rocky start to the 2026 campaign, the Korean powerhouse has found itself at a crossroads, grappling to extract speed from the i20 N Rally1 amid fierce competition from Toyota, which has been dominating the early stages of the season.
With Toyota flexing its muscles and achieving podium sweeps—including an astounding 1-2-3-4 finish at the Rally Islas Canarias—Hyundai is keen to turn the tide. The team has struggled particularly on low-grip asphalt surfaces, but the transition to gravel is seen as a golden opportunity for redemption. The excitement is palpable as the gravel season kicks off, and pre-event testing has sparked a wave of optimism among Hyundai's drivers, who are eager to showcase their improved performance.
Adrien Fourmaux, one of Hyundai’s rising stars, exclaims, “The season really starts now in Portugal, because it’s a different surface to everything that has come before.” His confidence is soaring as he reflects on positive testing results, stating, “We are much more comfortable and confident with the pace on gravel.” Fourmaux is no stranger to Rally de Portugal, having faced some misfortunes in previous years. Nevertheless, he is determined to seize this opportunity and deliver a stellar performance, eager to impress the enthusiastic fans known for their unwavering support.
Thierry Neuville, the 2024 world champion and a key figure in Hyundai's lineup, shares a cautiously optimistic outlook. “It is good to be optimistic as that is what helps us move forward,” he asserts, while acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by their rivals. “We shouldn’t be too optimistic either. We need to have both feet on the ground and we are facing a very strong competitor that is doing everything right.” Neuville is acutely aware of the intensity of the competition, acknowledging that while they may have speed, the long rally will test their endurance and strategy.
Hyundai's performance in Portugal last year was promising, with drivers Ott Tanak and Fourmaux showing great potential for victory before being thwarted by mechanical issues. This year, the team returns with a revamped i20 N and an ace in the hole: Dani Sordo, a seasoned driver with an impressive record of seven podium finishes in Portugal, stepping in for Tanak.
Andrew Wheatley, Hyundai’s sporting director, is setting the bar high for Rally Portugal, emphasizing the importance of this event in shaping their strategy for the remainder of the season. “As the first of the European gravel events that will define the second half of 2026, Rally de Portugal is very important to gauge the performance of the team,” Wheatley explains. He highlights Hyundai's commitment to improving reliability and speed, noting the favorable conditions that resemble those of previous successful events.
With ambitions running high, Wheatley acknowledges the tough competition but believes in the capabilities of his drivers. “Our targets in Portugal are more ambitious than the last couple of events,” he states confidently. “We are bringing most of what we have learned from our testing in 2026 to Rally de Portugal.” As they prepare for the rally, there are murmurs of rain potentially impacting the conditions, which could level the playing field for the teams.
As Hyundai gears up to make its mark in Portugal, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown. The combination of a seasoned lineup, a new strategy, and the adrenaline of gravel racing could just be the recipe for success. Fans and competitors alike are on the edge of their seats, ready to witness if Hyundai can indeed turn their season around and reclaim their position among the rally elite.
