Hyundai Motorsport has been fined €25,000 following a homologation paperwork discrepancy discovered after the conclusion of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) finale, Rally Japan. The issue centered around the rear differential casing of the i20 N Rally1 cars driven by world champion Thierry Neuville and teammate Andreas Mikkelsen.
The Issue: Homologation Inconsistencies
Post-rally checks revealed that the rear differential casings on both Neuville’s and Mikkelsen’s cars did not align with the specifications listed on their Homologation Form Ra1-22/02. Subsequent investigations by the FIA in Valleiry, France, examined all rear differentials used by the Hyundai team throughout the season. Key findings included:
- Correct Original Homologation (2022): The CAD data and physical parts deposited during the original homologation were compliant.
- Error in 2024 Update (Joker 1C): The physical part deposited in 2024 for updated homologation (40/09ERJ) did not match the submitted photos, which were from a prototype produced in 2021.
Hearing Outcome and Hyundai’s Explanation
In a hearing held on December 10, Hyundai’s WRC program manager Christian Loriaux admitted to the oversight, explaining that outdated photos of a prototype part were mistakenly included in the 2024 homologation documents. Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul acknowledged the error and apologized, emphasizing the team’s intention to improve its internal processes to prevent similar mistakes in the future.
Abiteboul also highlighted that the parts installed on the cars matched the correct CAD data, suggesting no intent to circumvent FIA regulations.
FIA Stewards’ Decision
While Hyundai’s error breached Article 10.3.3 of the 2024 FIA International Sporting Code, which mandates compliance with homologation documents, the FIA acknowledged the team’s good faith and clerical nature of the error. Consequently, Hyundai avoided disqualification from Rally Japan but was fined €25,000.
To ensure compliance going forward:
- An additional €25,000 fine is suspended, contingent on Hyundai correcting its homologation form before the 2025 Monte Carlo Rally and avoiding similar errors throughout the 2025 season.
Hyundai’s Path Forward
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous attention to detail in homologation processes, particularly in a sport where technical compliance is critical. Hyundai Motorsport now faces the task of revising its internal procedures to ensure homologation documentation is accurate and error-free.
With the 2025 season around the corner, all eyes will be on Hyundai to see if the team can uphold its commitment to compliance while defending its championship titles.