As Hyundai Motorsport heads into the critical Central European Rally, where Thierry Neuville could potentially clinch the World Rally Championship, another major discussion is taking place behind closed doors: could Dani Sordo, a long-time driver for Hyundai, be stepping into a new management role for the team in 2024?
While Sordo himself won’t confirm any rumors, his recent trip to Seoul for discussions with Hyundai’s top brass has fueled speculation that he could play a key leadership role within the team. With Cyril Abiteboul, the current team principal, expected to shift focus to Hyundai’s upcoming World Endurance Championship project for its sister brand Genesis, the WRC team could soon need a new figurehead to guide them.
Sordo, who has been with Hyundai since their WRC return in 2014, remains coy about his next steps. “I’m not the right person to talk about this,” he told reporters when asked about his potential new role. “I think Cyril needs to be asked this question.”
Though Sordo seems reluctant to outright confirm or deny his future plans, the Spaniard did acknowledge the challenges and appeal of transitioning from driver to management. “Cyril can’t do both projects at the same time. He loves the circuit, but I don’t know. If I do something, I will do it with the whole team together, not just me because I couldn’t run a team like this alone,” Sordo explained.
Despite lacking management experience, Sordo believes he has what it takes to rally the team, adding, “I have experience in rally. I know rallies inside and out, but managing a team is different. It’s not like choosing tyres or race strategies, which comes naturally to me. But I’m open to learning.”
Sordo’s driving career also hangs in the balance. With Hyundai reportedly moving towards a full-time third driver for 2024, and names like Adrien Fourmaux being floated as a possible successor, Sordo’s future behind the wheel is uncertain. However, he has expressed a desire to compete in at least one more rally, with the 2024 Rally de Portugal being his ideal farewell event.
“For many years, we’ve been talking about when I’ll stop. I’d like to have one last race, to say it’s the last one, but it’s a tough decision. When you’ve done this all your life, it’s hard to walk away,” Sordo said, reflecting on his legacy in the sport.
While Sordo has been a pivotal figure in Hyundai’s WRC efforts for nearly a decade, the time may be right for a change in direction. “There are many other small things I can do. If I don’t drive, I’ll miss it, but maybe I’ll find a new challenge in this other job,” he mused, leaving the door open to new opportunities, both within and outside the sport.
As Sordo’s future with Hyundai remains uncertain, fans and the motorsport community are eagerly watching for official announcements. Will the seasoned rally veteran transition to a team leadership role, or will his time with Hyundai come to a close altogether? One thing is clear: Dani Sordo’s presence in the WRC, whether as a driver or a leader, is far from over.
