Hyundai Rally Team Pushes Limits in Desperate Bid to Catch Up with Toyota Dominance
In a bold move to close the significant points gap with Toyota, Hyundai’s rallying team is unleashing a strategy of maximum attack, despite the risks involved. Following a brutal defeat at Rally Islas Canarias where Toyota dominated every stage, Hyundai found themselves trailing in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ standings. Thierry Neuville, their lead contender, was a staggering 50 points behind the leader.
The team’s Technical director, François-Xavier Demaison, defended the aggressive approach, stating that the current situation leaves them with no choice but to push to the limits. He emphasized the necessity of taking risks to make up for lost ground in the championship race, acknowledging that Hyundai is in a position where they must push relentlessly.
Despite facing setbacks like Ott Tänak’s power-steering failure in Portugal, the team remains resolute in their strategy, refusing to back down. Demaison affirmed that Hyundai will maintain the same approach at Rally Italia Sardegna, indicating that caution is a luxury they cannot afford.
With limited options to address reliability issues due to homologation restrictions, Hyundai is forced to continue walking the fine line between performance and preservation. The team has exhausted most of its homologation jokers, hindering their ability to implement significant upgrades to the i20 N Rally1 car.
As Hyundai trails Toyota by 55 points in the manufacturers’ race, the pressure is mounting for the team to deliver results. Despite Tänak’s valiant efforts to narrow the gap in the drivers’ championship, Hyundai’s overall standing remains precarious, with their drivers occupying lower positions in the points table.
The rallying world is witnessing a high-stakes battle as Hyundai pushes the boundaries in a desperate bid to challenge Toyota’s dominance. With each rally presenting new challenges and risks, Hyundai’s unwavering determination sets the stage for a thrilling showdown in the World Rally Championship.
