Hyundai WRT

[WRCStan]

HUGE NEWS! https://motorsport.hyundai.com is back online!

Sort of.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So the graphic designer doubles as an engineer or vice versa?

We're dealing with big brands like Toyota Gazoo and Hyundai Motorsport. Their image is carefully designed and and they are present in multiple disciplines, so it cannot change constantly. We're used to liveries changing for a rally team quickly with a new main sponsor, but it doesn't happen that much anymore. And in the end, the car manufacturers are the biggest sponsors for their respective teams. And M-Sport doesn't have so strict brand colors so they can spice it up every year, and they know they're getting popularity points by doing that.

But when it's a whole brand new generation of car that is supposed to be greener and more in-line with the times... and they make it look exactly like before and not even use the word hybrid... ?

[WRCStan]

But when it's a whole brand new generation of car that is supposed to be greener and more in-line with the times... and they make it look exactly like before and not even use the word hybrid... ?

The base car isn't offered in hybrid, same with the GR Yaris. That's what's odd about the whole thing and shows it's the FIA/Promotor's campaign although Citroen and Ford definitely wanted it.

That's not a rear bumper it's a picnic seat.

[dimviii]

The base car isn't offered in hybrid, same with the GR Yaris.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkPyRIklU0k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGoXksi1o7o

[AnttiL]

But when it's a whole brand new generation of car that is supposed to be greener and more in-line with the times... and they make it look exactly like before and not even use the word hybrid... ?

Did you read at all what I wrote? Hyundai Motorsport is not just a rally team, it's a global motorsport brand for Hyundai, and all their products are in the same color. Including the trucks, service park buildings etc. It's not really cheap to change colors just to please some rally fans.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FIu-IAWWQAInhb4?format=jpg&name=large

It's a good question why the word hybrid isn't emphasized.

Also, you say it looks "exactly like before", but I would claim it's a completely different bodyshell.

[WRCStan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkPyRIklU0k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGoXksi1o7o

The base cars are performance hot hatches not the generic range:

Hyundai i20 N
https://www.hyundai.co.uk/new-cars/i20n

Toyota GR Yaris
https://www.toyota.co.uk/world-of-toyota/toyota-gazoo-racing/gr-yaris/performance

[AnttiL]

But the marketing point of WRC is to sell those normal i20's and Yarises, not the sporty models, although some rally fans think differently.

[focus206]

HUGE NEWS! https://motorsport.hyundai.com is back online!

Sort of.

Is that Wuorela or whatever his name is still saying that Hyundai and Tanak will retire?

[pantealex]

But the marketing point of WRC is to sell those normal i20's and Yarises, not the sporty models, although some rally fans think differently.

Nowadays it's like that, in (golden) past it was for Sporty models (Escort RS, 131 mirafiori, stratos, quattro, delta integrale, celica, impreza, lancer evo etc) but now just polo, fabia, Yaris, fiesta, puma, i20, C3 etc.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FIwXuw2X0AUu-p2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FIwXuwuXEAEZnn7?format=jpg&name=large

[seb_sh]

It's not that bad, better than last year and it's the Hyundai look, I didn't expect them to change it. 2017 was my favourite out of their liveries, I think it had the right balance.

[cali]

It is what it is. Hopefully the car will be fast.

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Much too subtle.

Maybe Hyundai dont want to shout 'Hyundai Hybrid' as they've already moved to full EV road cars...

That's my guess as well.
"circuit board" is generic for both hybrid and EV.


But the marketing point of WRC is to sell those normal i20's and Yarises, not the sporty models, although some rally fans think differently.

Nowadays the marketing goal isn't so much about selling a specific model, but about "brand building".

[lmmjvss]

WRC is so boring when it comes to the car's liveries. My last favorite was the Citroen when Seb and Lappi were there. Before that, Kimi's black/grey DS3...and thats it. I'd have to go to the 90's for a cool car IMO

[WRCStan]

But the marketing point of WRC is to sell those normal i20's and Yarises, not the sporty models, although some rally fans think differently.


Nowadays it's like that, in (golden) past it was for Sporty models (Escort RS, 131 mirafiori, stratos, quattro, delta integrale, celica, impreza, lancer evo etc) but now just polo, fabia, Yaris, fiesta, puma, i20, C3 etc.

If they sell any model because of WRC, then great. mknight nailed it, the marketing point is about image, not displays of test driving specific models else they'd be using base cars as commercially available. Hyundai have a high performance rally car with a name based on the i20 N performance road car and plastered in N performance brand logos, being raced by the world's fastest drivers in front of mostly males of ~middle age with disposable income who clearly have an interest in cars that move fast. It's a long term plan by Hyundai to introduce a respectable performance image, the N brand, that they just didn't have previously. There's a reason it's not called the Hyundai i20 Hybrid 7 Year Warranty Rally1. Which? Magazine readers really don't care what rallies it wins - this is the past.

Toyota involved Gazoo Racing WRT to develop a consumer Toyota Gazoo Racing Yaris model that'll be capable of winning WRC rallies, as is the claim in the marketing promos. That's using the GR Yaris to promote WRC! If it sells a normal Yaris, great, but they can't not promote the GR Yaris first.

[er88]

HYundai, but no advert for their HYbrid ...https://youtu.be/ktud6oAo3nc

[AnttiL]

Nowadays it's like that, in (golden) past it was for Sporty models (Escort RS, 131 mirafiori, stratos, quattro, delta integrale, celica, impreza, lancer evo etc) but now just polo, fabia, Yaris, fiesta, puma, i20, C3 etc.

No. For example whole Peugeot company was saved from going bankrupt through the 205 T16 project, and it wasn't just through the 200 homologation specials. And not even the GTI/Rallye models.

[er88]

Dunno what everyone expects. Hyundai and Toyota have motorsport divisions (not just rallying) and stick with their now identifiable colour scheme.

Ferrari and Red Bull etc in F1 do the same....

Granted its not awfully exciting but Msport have the freedom to change things up as they fail to attract title sponsors (unless they get the red bull money)

[M3 Jambo]

Expect at least two of the Puma's to be in Red Bull livery.

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FIvvAX9XoAAmp8f?format=jpg&name=medium

I'm rarely sentimental about rally cars but this picture angle gives me some group B vibes with the huge wing and bumper.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a good question why the word hybrid isn't emphasized.

Also, you say it looks "exactly like before", but I would claim it's a completely different bodyshell.

The lack of Hybrid wording is mainly what surprised me when it's a new era of car.

And I meant the livery looks like before, not the car.

A few hybrid logos and maybe a flash of green would make the i20 look like it was something really different...

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FI5WD6JXIAEXj7Z?format=jpg&name=large

[Eli]

WRC is so boring when it comes to the car's liveries. My last favorite was the Citroen when Seb and Lappi were there. Before that, Kimi's black/grey DS3...and thats it. I'd have to go to the 90's for a cool car IMO

I also liked the last iteration of the C3 WRC, otherwise, good liveries beforehand would be, VW's which was pretty neat imho, M-Sport's 2013-2015 liveries, and the now classic(?) C4 & DS3 Red-bull liveries.

[pantealex]

No. For example whole Peugeot company was saved from going bankrupt through the 205 T16 project, and it wasn't just through the 200 homologation specials. And not even the GTI/Rallye models.

True. quattro system did same for Audi, it was small brand compared to BMW/Mercedes.

I should have used word "mostly" before Sporty models.

[RS]

I'm rarely sentimental about rally cars but this picture angle gives me some group B vibes with the huge wing and bumper.

Personally I don’t like it.. it’s not the 1980s any more.

I’m sure it’s function over form though. Talking of which what are the homologation/joker rules around aero parts? We’ve seen teams making quite frequent changes in recent years. This can’t be cheap.

[Andre Oliveira]

Hyundai using a show car. Not a real rally car.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/418d93c981e6c11159e6593a6c7f9956.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/08be73e45269fb4efe7b90e0af6720da.jpg
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220115/498f497cbd7b08d5e1127e3f1d934173.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Julien Moncet the new team boss ?

https://new.in-24.com/sport/content/uploads/2022/01/20/2cb1d2cce0.jpg

[er88]

Julien Moncet the new team boss ?

https://new.in-24.com/sport/content/uploads/2022/01/20/2cb1d2cce0.jpgDeputy

[DrLill]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-frustrated-at-solbergs-withdrawal-from-monte/

Things seem to boil there a little.. not a nice comment in my view when the decision to retire was based on health reasons. I guess the comment is just made on pure emotion after a disappointing event but still..

[mknight]

Yep, not nice at all.

They need a boss to keep drivers under (some) control, in the absence of a boss Neuville is seemingly starting to act a bit like one.

In light of all their issues Adamo's departure seems more and more like either sacking or running away when he saw where it was going.

[EstWRC]

His testing crash hurt the team a lot more…

[seb_sh]

In light of all their issues Adamo's departure seems more and more like either sacking or running away when he saw where it was going.

my 2c he ran away seeing the writing on the wall

[logic]

my 2c he ran away seeing the writing on the wall

Only if you knew the real reason

[tommeke_B]

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/272417997_2921644284833026_4310349464795484007_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jWlk9q10cSoAX8LCIlA&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=00_AT8p-fS03usICsIU3OzXsewONAvN-n7lHAcqC6v-OB6dWA&oe=61F361B5

[Eli]

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/272417997_2921644284833026_4310349464795484007_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jWlk9q10cSoAX8LCIlA&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=00_AT8p-fS03usICsIU3OzXsewONAvN-n7lHAcqC6v-OB6dWA&oe=61F361B5

One picture speaks a thousand words…hopefully this year won’t be a rewind of 2021 for him or the rest of the team.

[AnttiL]

The whole team seems lost and frustrated. I hope they can get it together.

[Eli]

The whole team seems lost and frustrated. I hope they can get it together.

I hope they get a new team boss before we get to Sweden, and I hope the car won’t have reliability issues, or at least not in the same scale we’ve seen in Monte-Carlo and last year.

[logic]

I hope they get a new team boss before we get to Sweden, and I hope the car won’t have reliability issues, or at least not in the same scale we’ve seen in Monte-Carlo and last year.

A new team boss will not solve anything instantly. You think they have people there who dont know what they have to do?

[logic]

Yep, not nice at all.

They need a boss to keep drivers under (some) control, in the absence of a boss Neuville is seemingly starting to act a bit like one.

In light of all their issues Adamo's departure seems more and more like either sacking or running away when he saw where it was going.

Has adamo controlled any of the drivers before?
You look at things through rose tinted glasses.

[Eli]

A new team boss will not solve anything instantly. You think they have people there who dont know what they have to do?

No I don’t think it will solve everything or anything in an instant, I’m sure they know what they’re doing but there’s a reason why you have a team boss, and in times like these, Hyundai could use a good one; to lift their moral and to push them in the right direction, to lead them somewhere better and not to be lost as they (judging only by MC of course) seem now.

[logic]

No I don’t think it will solve everything or anything in an instant, I’m sure they know what they’re doing but there’s a reason why you have a team boss, and in times like these, Hyundai could use a good one; to lift their moral and to push them in the right direction, to lead them somewhere better and not to be lost as they (judging only by MC of course) seem now.

LOL ok....

[Danny0405]

The main issue is not having a boss right now; it’s about the car and Loriaux knows the technical part for it.
The question mark is to know if they are still in the development process (not only finalizing and updating) because they are late compared with other manufacturer (in that case, they have to limit losses in Sweden and maybe Croatia but after that, they can benefit from the 5 gravel-rally streak).
If there are at the same stage of car development (to the final version) than the other manufacturers, the season will be very loooong...

I don’t tell it’s useless to hire a boss, I’m just speaking in terms of priority.

[AnttiL]

The car is homologated. Major things cannot be changed anymore. The team has only one test day per driver per rally.

[logic]

The main issue is not having a boss right now; it’s about the car and Loriaux knows the technical part for it.
The question mark is to know if they are still in the development process (not only finalizing and updating) because they are late compared with other manufacturer (in that case, they have to limit losses in Sweden and maybe Croatia but after that, they can benefit from the 5 gravel-rally streak).
If there are at the same stage of car development (to the final version) than the other manufacturers, the season will be very loooong...

I don’t tell it’s useless to hire a boss, I’m just speaking in terms of priority.


That is not the main issue but carry on.

[dimviii]

That is not the main issue but carry on.

so which is the main issue?

[wyler]

the main issue is having solberg senior around.

[skarderud]

the main issue is having solberg senior around.Solberg senior is not a part of Hyundai.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[skarderud]

Several things with Hyundai it seems.

Thierrys coment about oliver is only showing who's nice or not. You dont say stuff like that out loud.

He crashed the testcar himself, thats the reason they are behind.

Ott's catastrophic tire"strategy" is another one, thierry didn't critisize that?

Thierry himself lost the potential wdc atleast 4 times only because of himself, maybe its time to take a look in the mirror....

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[bandit12]

Several things with Hyundai it seems.



Ott's catastrophic tire"strategy" is another one, thierry didn't critisize that?



Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Neuville had same tires tbh.

[ouvreur]

I really don't think things are as bad as in Alzenau as last weekend in Monte Carlo is making people think.

The tyre gamble - well, they had to gamble. There was nothing to gain from copying everyone else, and not really much to lose. You can say for sure that they wouldn't have done that running 1st and 2nd overall!

The seeming lack of urgency in appointing a permanent team principal is, if anything, a good thing. No knee-jerk reaction, taking their time to make sure the next appointment is the right one. Would an Adamo-style reaction to the performance in Monte be a good thing, in the circumstances? I would say not.

It is extremely unlikely that they've developed a fundamentally bad car - the chassis will be more than good enough, they just need to work out how to get the best out of it. As much as homologation limits major changes, there's still a huge range of damper, anti-roll-bar, spring and weight distribution adjustments that can be made to get the best out of it, and make it work for different drivers. That just takes time, and testing. Writing them and their car off after one rally would be a mistake.

[AnttiL]

the main issue is having solberg senior around.

I think they have bigger problems right now.

[AnttiL]

Neuville had same tires tbh.

Yeah, and in the end Ogier and Loeb also ran the second pass of Sisteron with slicks.

As for having only one spare, it's risky indeed. However, we don't know whether Tänak crashed because of another puncture or if he got another puncture because of crashing. And while it seems he retired because of the radiator issue, he was seen trying to fix the broken tyre on the liaison onto the tyre zone so maybe they could have worked on that radiator as well? However, it seemed quite severe since they weren't able to continue on Sunday (or then it was engine change tactics)

[EstWRC]

he retired because of radiator failure, you could see at the stage end that all the fluids were on the windscreen.

to estonian media he said they tried to continue but it was hard for the engine and they stopped.

Moncet said that they didnt continue on Sunday cause now they have the possibilty to have extra engine or smth like that

[Sulland]

the main issue is having solberg senior around.

How involved is Petter these days?

[pantealex]

The car is homologated. Major things cannot be changed anymore. The team has only one test day per driver per rally.

For Sweden:
Hyundai 3 days
Toyota 4 days + full month in their Snowy Jyväskylä testing area.

I don´t see "Arctic surprise" coming from Hyundai...

[flat_right]

And this last surprise was largely because they participated in Otepää Winter Rally, which gave them many "free" testing days. This year they won't participate as this is already this weekend and I don't know if there will be any winter rallies in Finland or Sweden in the coming weeks.

[AnttiL]

We have some rallies, but it's not as easy to participate with the Rally1 car, I've heard from people working in Arctic Rally organization.

[skarderud]

How involved is Petter these days?Not at all.

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[skarderud]

Neuville had same tires tbh.Yeah, but both take the gamble, one lost. Its not first time, he lost that gamble.
Just plain stupid.

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[bandit12]

Yeah, but both take the gamble, one lost. Its not first time, he lost that gamble.
Just plain stupid.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

You really should give them your contacts, that they could hire you. Expert as you are.

[skarderud]

You really should give them your contacts, that they could hire you. Expert as you are.Yeah, thank you.

It happened so many times with him, that its not fun anymore. Its just stupid.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[wyler]

Solberg senior is not a part of Hyundai.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

i'd said around, not inside or working for. still, he had some part around the arguing on employment on oliver, on the rally2 car and fights with adamo.
i can, of course, be a lot wrong, but i think solberg clan with his name and hype and tv etc, was the most destabilizing thing that happened to hiunday last year.

btw: idon't buy neuville complaining on oliver just on his meanness. something up inside there with management of him ( and i believe oliver totally unaware/not guildy for it)

[wyler]

I think they have bigger problems right now.

yeah, with a cause dated a season back or more maybe...

[Myrvold]

And this last surprise was largely because they participated in Otepää Winter Rally, which gave them many "free" testing days. This year they won't participate as this is already this weekend and I don't know if there will be any winter rallies in Finland or Sweden in the coming weeks.

There's rallies in Norway ever weekend until Rally Sweden. Same in Sweden. It would probably be easier to run the cars in Sweden, as Norway are boringly strict on what cars are allowed. It was a lot of work for Østberg to be able to drive the WRC17-car here. But I do think Hyundai/M-Sport would be allowed.

[pantealex]

There's rallies in Norway ever weekend until Rally Sweden. Same in Sweden. It would probably be easier to run the cars in Sweden, as Norway are boringly strict on what cars are allowed. It was a lot of work for Østberg to be able to drive the WRC17-car here. But I do think Hyundai/M-Sport would be allowed.

Finland also has rallies every weekend but teams can't run Rally1 without "FIA experts"

I don't know why but that's what quite many officials have told
(wonder how they can test Rally1 "alone")

[bomber21]

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/
Back online after MONTHS of being down…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai moved its test area to Central Finland - young rally star tells what the decision seeks: "Finnish roads the best in the world"

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-12299611

[focus206]

Apart from being a good testing ground for Sweden, does that translate into more testing days throughout the year for Hyundai or what?

[sti123]

Unlimited testing within the 10km radius from the main testing HQ.

[AnttiL]

Unlimited testing within the 10km radius from the main testing HQ.

Not anymore.

A 10 km radius with 12 km of roads, anywhere in Europe.

It was a "Lex Toyota", which was changed after Toyota was able to test anywhere in Jyväskylä in 2017.

[bandit12]

Still better than nothing.

[TypeR]

Good move from Hyundai!
After Sweden Neuville, Solberg and Tänak should move to Finland and testdrive the hell out of the new car :D

[flat_right]

Not anymore.

A 10 km radius with 12 km of roads, anywhere in Europe.



Thanks, didn't know that! Do you know if these 12 km of roads in 10 km radius have to stay the same for the whole time or you can change parts as far as you keep it under 12 km for the test.

[AnttiL]

Thanks, didn't know that! Do you know if these 12 km of roads in 10 km radius have to stay the same for the whole time or you can change parts as far as you keep it under 12 km for the test.

Same for the whole year.

Also keep in mind that these Toyota and Hyundai test roads are public roads where people live and do business. Teams cannot get permissions to them all the time, and the roads must be fixed after every test. When Toyota had unlimited testing in Jyväskylä, they could practically use always a different road so it didn't bother people so much. Also it allowed for more fine tuning as they were able to reserve many different kinds of roads or driver favourites etc.

Greystoke is probably just a private forest that doesn't have much other use than rallying?

[EstWRC]

IMO a very clever move

as far as i know they only had some kind of circuit near the base and like said here, they can now test as much as they want

[AnttiL]

Apart from being a good testing ground for Sweden, does that translate into more testing days throughout the year for Hyundai or what?

They can test on this area as much as they want. In addition they are allowed one day per driver per rally, so for example they can still reserve some other roads for their Rally Sweden PET. I would recommend going to Rovaniemi, as the roads there are more similar to Umeå than central finland (long straights, no jumps). I think what Toyota did last week was also in their permanent testing area so their Sweden test days are still unused.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wont it make it tricky when the factory base is still down in Germany ? Plus why just decide to do this now when the new car has needed development since the middle of last year ? Sounds to me like poor planning.

[Andre Oliveira]

And they will test on tarmac where?

[AnttiL]

Definitely expensive to carry everything always over from Germany. I wonder if they will also hire a garage from Finland or Estonia...

Testing areas are yearly based so they could only decide it by the beginning of this year.

[AnttiL]

And they will test on tarmac where?

Each rally gives 1 day per driver per rally outside the permanent testing area. But clearly they have followed Toyota's footsteps here, if the car works on Finnish roads it works everywhere.

Also, maybe this is why they focused on tarmac testing with the second edition of the Rally1 car?

[ouvreur]

And now we sit and wait for the Dirtfish article on this... anyone want to play 'Guess the Headline'?

My bet is something like "Hyundai's bold testing plan to save their 2022 season"

[rallyfiend]

And now we sit and wait for the Dirtfish article on this... anyone want to play 'Guess the Headline'?

My bet is something like "Hyundai's bold testing plan to save their 2022 season"

I'll go with:

'Adamo already planned to permanently test in Finland'

[Lancia Stratos]

Greystoke is probably just a private forest that doesn't have much other use than rallying?

Greystoke is owned by Malcolm Wilson.

[AnttiL]

Greystoke is owned by Malcolm Wilson.

With some foresting every now and then like in any forest? :) Probably no clashes with the timetables though

[Andre Oliveira]

And M-Sport have the MEC race track.

[TypeR]

who knows, may have been Adamo's idea..?!
As they had to notify FIA before 1st of Jan.

[Crutt]

Noise restrictions limit the number of days it can be used and the times between which it can be used

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-unseen-strength-tanak-believes-hyundai-already-has/

[dimviii]

Hyundai’s WRC2 boss to leave role in March

Andrew Johns, who headed up Hyundai's customer racing division, will depart next month
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundais-wrc2-boss-to-leave-role-in-march/

[mknight]

He was the one rumored to overtake for Adamo last summer.

But then the new Rally2 has been pretty much a disaster so far.

[AnttiL]

Do I remember correctly that Johns took Adamo's old job in 2019 when Adamo became the WRC team boss?

[M5]

They should give the customer rally part to Petter/Pernilla Solberg. Split it out from racing.
Pernilla as team boss
Petter as tech boss

Will give them something to focus on, and not only Oliver.

[becher]

They should give the customer rally part to Petter/Pernilla Solberg. Split it out from racing.
Pernilla as team boss
Petter as tech boss

Will give them something to focus on, and not only Oliver.

What qualification does P. Solberg have as avtechnical director?

[cali]

They should give the customer rally part to Petter/Pernilla Solberg. Split it out from racing.
Pernilla as team boss
Petter as tech boss

Will give them something to focus on, and not only Oliver.Are you by accident swedish or norwegian? If yes, we can cancel that....

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Moncet stays in charge for Sweden and would take the job full-time...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/moncet-to-remain-in-charge-of-hyundai-in-sweden/

[dimviii]

Moncet stays in charge for Sweden and would take the job full-time...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/moncet-to-remain-in-charge-of-hyundai-in-sweden/


this prooves that Adamos exit wasnt scheduled but appeared suddenly.

And as i know,when you are in such a position,you just dont quit your job leaving such a company without head...

[EstWRC]

WHY HYUNDAI HAS COPIED TOYOTA’S TESTING PLAN

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-hyundai-has-copied-toyotas-testing-plan/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

this prooves that Adamos exit wasnt scheduled but appeared suddenly.

And as i know,when you are in such a position,you just dont quit your job leaving such a company without head...

And he hasn't gone straight into another job shows his 'personal reasons' were probably true.

[ouvreur]

WHY HYUNDAI HAS COPIED TOYOTA’S TESTING PLAN

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-hyundai-has-copied-toyotas-testing-plan/

Well, I had "testing plan" in my headline. What do I win?

[dimviii]

And he hasn't gone straight into another job shows his 'personal reasons' were probably true.

usually ''personal reasons'' they announce when they dont want to be public the real reason.

[Lancia Stratos]

usually ''personal reasons'' they announce when they dont want to be public the real reason.

Correct......

[rallyfiend]

He was fired. It's not that complicated.

Same with Johns. There are some unsavoury stories about him coming out of Alzenau...

[Lancia Stratos]

He was fired. It's not that complicated.

Same with Johns. There are some unsavoury stories about him coming out of Alzenau...

And for legal reasons, that's probably where this one should be left.

[bandit12]

Please. Share with us.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He was fired. It's not that complicated.

Same with Johns. There are some unsavoury stories about him coming out of Alzenau...

Dirtfish guys are still very friendly with him even though they said they know the real reason he left...

[Lancia Stratos]

Please. Share with us.

Some things in life should remain private between the parties concerned. Both of these fall into that category.

[bandit12]

Then there is no need to hint that there is something nasty behind that. Respect that privacy and move on.

[the sniper]

It seems there's a hell of a book to be written about the team from Alzenau once it's eventually wound up...

[Rallyper]

Questioning Petters technical knowledge is just lack of memory from person who said it.

I think Petter proved he can have a lot of balls in the air at the same time. Running Hyundai departement would suit the Solberg couple well.

[becher]

Questioning Petters technical knowledge is just lack of memory from person who said it.

I think Petter proved he can have a lot of balls in the air at the same time. Running Hyundai departement would suit the Solberg couple well.

You what? A driver is not an engineer full stop. A technical director is unlikely to do any design work himself, but he needs an intricate understanding of what is going on to direct people in the technical department. Years of discussing setup with a race engineer won't prepare you for that. It seems the drriver x developed car x pipe dream is still allive in this forum. The design office developes the car, a (test-) driver tests it and gives feedback, he is not getting busy with the calculator or CAD.

[Rallyper]

You what? A driver is not an engineer full stop. A technical director is unlikely to do any design work himself, but he needs an intricate understanding of what is going on to direct people in the technical department. Years of discussing setup with a race engineer won't prepare you for that. It seems the drriver x developed car x pipe dream is still allive in this forum. The design office developes the car, a (test-) driver tests it and gives feedback, he is not getting busy with the calculator or CAD.

Agree 100%. But you say Petter doesn´t have the qualification? Then we disagree...

[M5]

I was not saying tech director, but a tech boss in charge of further develop the Wrc2 car. The deep engineering staff will be hyundai wrt. Call him the same as jones, does not matter. He will make the Rally2 into a neutral car easy to adopt to different driving styles.

They have sold 8 cars in 8 months. Says it all.

[mknight]

Watching latest episode of "team solberg", from Acropolis last year.

On friday they say the damper canister breaks off under braking and also hits the steering arm.

Petter than says the same thing happened on previous two tests and he told them to add another attachment point on top so the canister doesn't vibrate as it is only attached at the bottom. (dunno if that needs a joker to homologate).

---

In other news after watching a few episodes Oliver seems totally mentally unprepared for this. Basically acting like a 12 year old and needing his parents for everything (or they are used to helping him all the time).

Johnston seems to get fired for trying to steeer Olivers drama queen tendencies.

[bandit12]

Well. You can see from his onboards. All that time he uses to show his emotions... He could really use it to consentrate to driving

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-looking-at-portugal-for-major-rally1-upgrade/

Hyundai looking forward to first homologation jokers in April

[Danny0405]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-looking-at-portugal-for-major-rally1-upgrade/

Hyundai looking forward to first homologation jokers in April

Quite consistent with what we could expect after Monte Carlo.

Hyundai will have to limit the losses during the next two rallyes (Sweden and Croatia) and then, they will try to benefit from good road positions + jokers in the 7-out-of 8 gravel-rally series between Portugal and New Zealand.

I think it will really be complicated for the manufacturer championship with a big gap + the Toyota’s roster which is really big.

Driver championship may be a target if they limit the loss in Sweden and Croatia (and if the jokers are really fixing the main issues). I would bet more on Neuville than Tanak to do so.

I think after Sardinia, we will have a clear of where they are and they can expect for this season. It may then drive their decision to stay or not in WRC.

[flat_right]

I have a question about the jokers. Quote from the article: “We will have to once again prioritize – we have more ideas than jokers. We have to go for the ones with the best potential. But we don’t know yet which exactly.

Could they test these jokers wherever they want in their testing area (this 10 km radius location)? And based on this testing they choose what helps or not? Or is this somehow restricted that you can only test a car that is homologated (so basically only tuning some settings)?

[AnttiL]

Of course you can test with unhomologated parts, that's what testing is for. Actually the permanent testing area is where you will likely see new parts being tested, since rally PET's are mostly done with homologated parts to fine-tune the setup.

For Hyundai, they are now only catching up with something they should have already had while the other teams will be pushing forwards for completely new things. It's not like Toyota and M-Sport would not use those homologation jokers in April...

[Sulland]

We will get a netter status on the Rally1 Hyundai after Croatia, but we need to wait until the gravel of Portugal before we have a more precise answer on how far behind the i20 is.

But the same goes for the two others. We have an idea after the two first special rallies of the season. But as always it is a moving target, and they are hard to hit!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I see Adamo turned up on the ERC+ All Live coverage of the Fafe Serras de Rally today. Did he give them a lot of money in the past too ?

[bandit12]

How is this question related with Hyundai?

[Sulland]

I see Adamo turned up on the ERC+ All Live coverage of the Fafe Serras de Rally today. Did he give them a lot of money in the past too ?

He had a role in starting up Team Hyundai Portugal. Visiting old friends as I understood it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He had a role in starting up Team Hyundai Portugal. Visiting old friends as I understood it.

Thanks. Maybe that's why he was there but not why ERC+ welcomed him and had him doing stage end interviews.

Funny this guy is still the darling of the media, even though he was allegedly sacked from Hyundai for some of his behaviour.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Julien Moncet wants to remain in charge for the rest of the season...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundais-wrc-chief-moncet-wants-to-stay-in-charge/

[Eli]

It's looking increasingly likely Toyota will have this championship wrapped up before the season in ends in Japan/Monza (hopefully not Monza), it's like someone said here sometime ago, when Toyota have a bad rally it's a second/third place and another point scorer in the top 5, when Hyundai have a bad one it's 4th downwards, although maybe Sordo can get back that podium position tomorrow. Also having Solberg Jr. for the rallies that Sordo isn't competing doesn't seem like it will help his teammates, I mean, if Oliver would be competing here do you guys think he'd be fighting for the podium? I just don't think he's got enough experience at the moment to help Thierry & Ott to challenge for the manufacturer title.

[Essaj]

if Oliver would be competing here do you guys think he'd be fighting for the podium? I just don't think he's got enough experience at the moment to help Thierry & Ott to challenge for the manufacturer title.

Well he wasn't even fastest Hyundai Rally2 before his retirement :rolleyes:

[Eli]

Well he wasn't even fastest Hyundai Rally2 before his retirement :rolleyes:

Exactly my point, well, part of it anyhow.

[EstWRC]

In the last 3 years ( third year is the ongoing season so far) Toyota has got 16 wins and Hyundai 6 wins

Ott got 6 wins alone in 2019

[Eli]

In the last 3 years ( third year is the ongoing season so far) Toyota has got 16 wins and Hyundai 6 wins

Ott got 6 wins alone in 2019

And out of those Thierry won 3 times, Tänak twice and Sordo once right? In what? 22, now will be 23 rallies. I really hope they manage to turn it around, if not for this year then at least for 2023.

[EstWRC]

And out of those Thierry won 3 times, Tänak twice and Sordo once right? In what? 22, now will be 23 rallies. I really hope they manage to turn it around, if not for this year then at least for 2023.

Correct. Tomorrow it will be another Toyota win, which is already 3rd this season.

Hyundai drivers won 3 rallies last year all together and none so far this season

[Eli]

Correct. Tomorrow it will be another Toyota win, which is already 3rd this season.

Hyundai drivers won 3 rallies last year all together and none so far this season

I really hope they can get back on winning ways at least for Estonia/Finland/Ypres/Spain, I don't care who wins in that i20N Rally1, I just hope they do.

[focus206]

One part of me wishes they would get 0 wins this year, they deserve nothing as the least reliable manufacturer of the lot yet again.
But I know this would probably make them quit, rather than push them to do better, so it's better that they do win something.
But Neuville and Tanak deserve much more.

[Danny0405]

Clearly worrying performance from them here.
Until Croatia, we knew it would be difficult but we could expect some improvements with the gravel series. Clearly, it might be really difficult for the rest of the season and we can be worried about their future.

[Danny0405]

I see a lot of people (not particularly here) talking about what Neuville and Tanak should do and some evoking Toyota.
Personnally, if the situation stays like this until the end of the season, Iwould be Toyota’s boss, I would never take the risk to hire Neuville and Tanak. I have the next big thing in my hand + Evans still under contract for next year so I wouldn’t risk the relation with Kalle. And if Toyota has learned from WEC, they should see that it is better to have controlled competition than being overdominant.
On the contrary, I would try, as soon as next year, to give a 7-round program (at least) to a young talented driver to develop the new Sordo or Hirvonen.

For sure, for M-Sport, the situation is not the same: but I’m not sure M-Sport has the money (salary + car development) to convince a big driver to come even if Hyundai stops. Maybe next year (as there are still competitive in the second year normally) but after that...

[Eli]

I see a lot of people (not particularly here) talking about what Neuville and Tanak should do and some evoking Toyota.
Personnally, if the situation stays like this until the end of the season, Iwould be Toyota’s boss, I would never take the risk to hire Neuville and Tanak. I have the next big thing in my hand + Evans still under contract for next year so I wouldn’t risk the relation with Kalle. And if Toyota has learned from WEC, they should see that it is better to have controlled competition than being overdominant.
On the contrary, I would try, as soon as next year, to give a 7-round program (at least) to a young talented driver to develop the new Sordo or Hirvonen.

For sure, for M-Sport, the situation is not the same: but I’m not sure M-Sport has the money (salary + car development) to convince a big driver to come even if Hyundai stops. Maybe next year (as there are still competitive in the second year normally) but after that...

As you said, if I were Toyota I'd probably keep my lineup as it is and wouldn't ruin the (seemingly good) dynamic they have between their drivers with bringing in either Ott or Neuville. On the other side of the coin what do you do if you're Neuville & Ott and can barely get a win this season? Join M-Sport for a price cut but in return get a (seemingly) better car? Leave & retire while they still have their dignity left? and if Hyundai for now at least do decide to stay for a couple of seasons, and both Neuville & Tänak or at the very least Tänak retires, who do they replace him with? So many questions and that's even before we get to the most important one, how do they change the tide?

[EstWRC]

Watched an short interview with Tänak on Estonian media and he seems quite down

Says he didn’t expect more result wise before the rally because there was only one test day and he didn’t get the feeling from there and the same continued during the rally . There are things on the car which are hard to get used to and against his instinct to drive fast.

The guy then says that you had the chance to help to develop this car and Ott says there wasn’t basically any development cause they got the car ready only just before monte and had only two tests and the team is in difficult situation with the whole structure thing at the moment.

They can’t do much before Sardegna either cause the gap is so short.

[Gordini]

Is hyundai running operation on save-mode?
test important.

[Danny0405]

Little trivia statistics: with his podium in Portugal, Sordo ties Solberg and Neuville for 10th position for of ranking of drivers with most WRC podiums (52).

Next in line is Auriol (9th with 53).
8th is Alen (56); not possible for Sordo this year as he should have only 3 more rounds; hope Neuville catches it (if not, it would be a very bad year for him).

Loeb 1st (120), Sainz 2nd (97), Ogier 3rd (92)

[Danny0405]

Watched an short interview with Tänak on Estonian media and he seems quite down

Says he didn’t expect more result wise before the rally because there was only one test day and he didn’t get the feeling from there and the same continued during the rally . There are things on the car which are hard to get used to and against his instinct to drive fast.

The guy then says that you had the chance to help to develop this car and Ott says there wasn’t basically any development cause they got the car ready only just before monte and had only two tests and the team is in difficult situation with the whole structure thing at the moment.

They can’t do much before Sardegna either cause the gap is so short.

Quite worrying indeed.
The only positive is that the car is fast when it has no reliability issue.
I don’t know if there are changes with the joker regulations compared with 2017 but Toyota transformed a not-really reliable car (2017) in the best car in class in 2 years (2019) so it might be possible. The question is about Hyundai will to make the investment needed and to wait to catch up.

[flat_right]

I wanted to translate the whole interview that EstWRC mentioned above. I think I haven't seen Ott so downbeat before. I know it was just after the rally but he sounded in a way so hopeless. I don't know if I could read between the lines this time but basically he is fed up with the tyres, lack of testing (and changes that could be made) and he misses Adamo.

Q: Ott, you finished Rally Portugal on 6th place. There were many problems and difficult situations. Now when looking back, how would you sum up these 3 days?
A: My initial thought is that we couldn't hope for more. The test before the rally was very short and I didn't get any good emotion and feeling from there. Rally went the same way. During the rally we tried to understand, learn and improve but rally is not a place for that (in another interview after day 2 he said that they basically can test but the things they can test and modify, it is very limited).

Q: During the rally, could you understand that are the problems fundamental or are there many small mistakes that need to be fixed and changed?
A: There are many issues and there are some things that I have hard time to get used to or adapt to drive fast. Some things go against my instinct.

Q: When they announced new cars, many thought that now you could have input in development and could make the car suitable for you. Aren't things quite as successful with car development from your point of view as you would have liked?
A: There was no car development. Basically the car was ready 1 month before Monte, we had two tests and the season started. There is no development. And the team is structurally in a relatively difficult place at the moment. It is not easy...

Q: Before the Portugal, it was said that this car is meant for gravel rallies and now when it came out that Toyota is above anyone else, does this realization increase depression even more?
A: I can't tell who said that, that this car was meant for gravel. I didn't think that for once. But there are many opinions.

Q: It was the team boss who said that in one of the interviews before the rally...
A: He is a very positive guy. He says a lot of things.

Q: Looking at the overall standings, one guy is far away, others grouped together behind. What is your motivation for the next upcoming rallies? To get in front of the closest group? Catching the leader is basically impossible with clean driving?
A: It's very difficult to take this whole series (WRC) seriously. We have many other very deep problems. This point gap is the smallest of issues at the moment.

Q: It is 1.5 weeks until Rally Sardegna. What can can you do with this short time and what is the plan in-between?
A: We have 1 testing day and basically nothing else. They try quickly prepare the cars. There is nothing else that can be done.

Q: The info and notes you gathered from this rally, could the team use some of it?
A: Can't tell, we'll see. There will be a longer meeting in the evening and we'll see what could we do with such a short time but generally it is difficult.

[EstWRC]

Thanks for the whole interview but I don’t understand how could you read out those things between the lines that you said. Especially missing Adamo

Lack of testing seems to bother him. He likes to develop and do things but then again, they can go to Finland any time now

[flat_right]

Should have put Adamo in quotes - what he says that "And the team is structurally in a relatively difficult place". I have this feeling that they don't have a leader who gets things done that Adamo was praised for. Tyres and testing - it is just the frustration from him that there is only one testing day, impossible to catch Toyotas this way. Also how tyres are very weak. The only chance to fight with Toyotas with this car is to get a perfect set up. I might be very wrong but Ott is unhappy and just gave some thoughts.

[Hartusvuori]

Should have put Adamo in quotes - what he says that "And the team is structurally in a relatively difficult place". I have this feeling that they don't have a leader who gets things done that Adamo was praised for. Tyres and testing - it is just the frustration from him that there is only one testing day, impossible to catch Toyotas this way. Also how tyres are very weak. The only chance to fight with Toyotas with this car is to get a perfect set up. I might be very wrong but Ott is unhappy and just gave some thoughts.

Maybe it was because of Adamo that the team is now structurally in a difficult place.

For the record, Toyota has not tested either on their permanent testing site in Finland since the development test prior to Rally Sweden.

[EstWRC]

Maybe it was because of Adamo that the team is now structurally in a difficult place

This

[TWRC]

Quite worrying indeed.
The only positive is that the car is fast when it has no reliability issue.
I don’t know if there are changes with the joker regulations compared with 2017 but Toyota transformed a not-really reliable car (2017) in the best car in class in 2 years (2019) so it might be possible. The question is about Hyundai will to make the investment needed and to wait to catch up.
I think the difference might be that Toyota had a better base speed-wise with the Yaris back then. We still dont know the extent of problems Hyundai have with the car, but it looks like they are pretty deep itrouble, as IMO it neither seems very fast, nor too reliable. Hopefully they can find some luck and good speed for Sardinia.

[Sergiow]

And Neuville is adding insult to the injury:

"The team is in a bit of a crisis"
Disappointed with his fifth place in Portugal, Neuville had the courage to put words to the situation within the Hyundai team, relegated to 59 points behind Toyota (175 against 116). Words that may seem harsh, but they attest to the improvement desired by our compatriot, victim of four mechanical problems in four rallies.

"History repeats itself: we have seen it in other years, we are encountering several problems. If we add them up, we are behind, we are missing points. It's a shame because we have all the tools to perform. We need people who make decisions, who lead the team, who have the strength and the charisma to manage a company like Hyundai Motorsport. Today, we lack them. The team is in a bit of a crisis." , he told Belgian RTBF in the debrief after the race https://www.rtbf.be/article/wrc-portugal-l-image-la-surprise-la-deception-6-faits-marquants-du-rallye-10997896

And if you put 1 + 1 then this post from last year on www.rallyssimo.it sounds maybe the more true: "Dani Sordo remains with Hyundai for another year. A managerial role for him in the future?"

"Apart from his performances, however excellent, what is striking is the consistency of his performance, essential for the constructors' championship, which earned him the nickname of "Mister Consistency" from Andrea Adamo. But there are also other qualities of Dani Sordo that are almost as good as his skills at the wheel, which perhaps not everyone knows and which can open the doors to a managerial role at the end of his experience as a driver.

In fact, his experience continues to be a gold mine in many respects. For example, Dani is the driver in charge of rolling out and testing before running all the cars participating in each rally. He also acted as an intermediary and was instrumental in the signings of Sebastien Loeb and Ott Tanak. He is the extra man in all circumstances and, thanks to his communication skills, he always manages to make himself indispensable."
https://www.rallyssimo.it/2021/09/14/wrc-dani-sordo-rimane-in-hyundai-per-un-altro-anno-in-futuro-un-ruolo-manageriale-per-lui/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quite worrying indeed.
The only positive is that the car is fast when it has no reliability issue.
I don’t know if there are changes with the joker regulations compared with 2017 but Toyota transformed a not-really reliable car (2017) in the best car in class in 2 years (2019) so it might be possible. The question is about Hyundai will to make the investment needed and to wait to catch up.

Good points here.

The new car is pretty fast considering the lack of testing, especially on gravel. Reliability is the issue and it can also be agreed their drivers have had quite a lot of bad luck.

Leadership can be blamed, but Moncet is in place and has to be given time to make the necessary changes.

Sadly, Toyots's strong start and Rovanpera's dominance make this season look 'over' already. Not good for Hyundai who basically only enter WRC in order to show they're the top Asian brand...

[dimviii]

as IMO it neither seems very fast, nor too reliable. .

reliable i agree,but dont forget that when Kalle and Evans were pushing hard Hyundais were sometimes faster from both.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351640

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351641

Tanak 2,8 from Kalle and 0,4 from Evans
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351642

Sordo 2,1 from Kalle
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351643

Neuville
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351637

Tanak on the long one
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351634

Neuville 3,7 from stage winner Evans
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351628

Neuville
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351627

Neuville
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351626

Tanak
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/73360-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2022/?s=351625

So we cant say that car is ''slow'',but rather that ,the car isnt fast at all stages.

[focus206]

Reliability is the biggest issue and they'll hardly solve it, no matter the amount of testing. Even if Hyundai was slightly faster than Toyota (which is not), they'd have no chances anyway, as the difference in reliability is astronomical.

[flat_right]

Maybe it was because of Adamo that the team is now structurally in a difficult place.



Isn't this the exact characterisation of Adamo?


And Neuville is adding insult to the injury:

"We need people who make decisions, who lead the team, who have the strength and the charisma to manage a company like Hyundai Motorsport. Today, we lack them. The team is in a bit of a crisis."

[mknight]

That does not have to be a contradiction.

Adamo's (seemingly) micro-managing (+screaming?) style could have made the team rely on this style of management and not work properly with a different style.

[rallyfiend]

I have a very strong assumption that Ott is more referring to the fact that they don't have anyone in that position still as Team Principal.

There must surely be a huge amount of paralysis. Even the new Korean President has only been there for a month or so.

[logic]

Its easy to blame something or someone but when you are the one choosing your setups and then complaining who is to blame?

[mknight]

Its easy to blame something or someone but when you are the one choosing your setups and then complaining who is to blame?
You complain that there's nobody else to blame off course ;)

[flat_right]

I have a very strong assumption that Ott is more referring to the fact that they don't have anyone in that position still as Team Principal.

There must surely be a huge amount of paralysis. Even the new Korean President has only been there for a month or so.

I agree. When I mentioned that he misses Adamo, I was rather thinking about a person who is the team leader like Adamo was. Both Ott and Thierry mention this and Ott surprisingly brought this up quite randomly as he was asked about car development. Which for me was unexpected as he is usually quite quiet about these kind of things. Ott has publicly praised Adamo several times, that he was the one who was demanding and pushing people inside and outside the factory. IIRC this was one of the reasons Ott left Toyota because Adamo could prove himself to be a man who gets what he wants.

[dimviii]

Its easy to blame something or someone but when you are the one choosing your setups and then complaining who is to blame?

yes but we have to say that HE was choosing his setups at yaris too.

[Eli]

yes but we have to say that HE was choosing his setups at Yaris too.

But now with time being a such a limiting factor, after all they had a spring break rather than the usual summer, they still need to develop the car, because atm it seems they're driving an undeveloped car, so setup will be difficult to find without the car being developed.

[WRCStan]

On leadership and Moncet: nobody gives their all to a role they haven't been offered permanently after doing it for 6 months. Sweden was probably the limit at which to give him the job and save his credibility and the morale of everybody involved. He won't bring it back by getting the role now. If he has the ambition for that kind of role he'd be better off looking elsewhere.

Dithering execs are a shambles. Need to act fast, install some confidence in everybody with a fresh face and sack/replace whoever later down the road if necessary.

[dimviii]

But now with time being a such a limiting factor, after all they had a spring break rather than the usual summer, they still need to develop the car, because atm it seems they're driving an undeveloped car, so setup will be difficult to find without the car being developed.

that i wanted to say Eli is, Tanak knows how to setup a car.We have seen it at Ford and at Toyota.
When he cant setup Hyundai at all rallies or at all stages,this doesnt mean that Tanak doesnt know how to setup a car,but rather that the car has some problems to setup correctly everywhere.

[WRCStan]

Tanak and Neuville want the old car back. Hybrid and the downgrades aren't their fight or fault, but they have to suffer it.

[Eli]

that i wanted to say Eli is, Tänak knows how to setup a car.We have seen it at Ford and at Toyota.
When he cant setup Hyundai at all rallies or at all stages,this doesn't mean that Tänak doesn't know how to setup a car,but rather that the car has some problems to setup correctly everywhere.

Exactly, so what is the solution going forward? how do they get their car ready for 2023? Because this year I don't think they'll be able to catch up to Toyota.

[dimviii]

Exactly, so what is the solution going forward? .

its a bit complicated as we have seen from other examples.

[Eli]

its a bit complicated as we have seen from other examples.

Anyhow, I really, really hope they get their car together for next year if not for this one.

[seb_sh]

Not looking good for Hyundai. They started this car very late and are behind, difficult to see how they can catch Toyota. The Ford is proably ahead as well but they started really early and depends how much money they will have to develop the car but Toyota is looking like a very good team.

[flat_right]

I wonder are the issues for Tänak the same as last year when the couldn't trust the car? Especially considering that during the first rallies he sounded quite positive and told that this car has potential and we just have to unlock it.

What I hope is that although the season is gone, that when the can now start testing in Finland, they can overcome the problems and finally get the car running properly.

[Eli]

I wonder are the issues for Tänak the same as last year when the couldn't trust the car? Especially considering that during the first rallies he sounded quite positive and told that this car has potential and we just have to unlock it.

What I hope is that although the season is gone, that when the can now start testing in Finland, they can overcome the problems and finally get the car running properly.

I hope they can at least get a win if not two before the end of the season and if they win on both surfaces, even better, hopefully Tänak can also claim a win cause I'm guessing not to win for over a year doesn't do any good to his confidence.

[bandit12]

Are their drivers willing to wait so long?
And make a good smiling face to media?

[KiwiWRCfan]

I wanted to translate the whole interview that EstWRC mentioned above.

Hi flat_right and EstWRC, is it possible to watch the interview somewhere. I cannot understand Estonian but are interested in seeing the body language and hear the tone of the responses

[EstWRC]

Hi flat_right and EstWRC, is it possible to watch the interview somewhere. I cannot understand Estonian but are interested in seeing the body language and hear the tone of the responses

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/96650219/delfi-video-tanak-auto-juures-on-asju-mida-mul-on-raske-omaks-votta-ja-nendega-harjuda

[KiwiWRCfan]

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/96650219/delfi-video-tanak-auto-juures-on-asju-mida-mul-on-raske-omaks-votta-ja-nendega-harjuda
Thank you. Ott really does look deflated.

[AnttiL]

The difficult thing for Hyundai is that they cannot make a lot of changes, only homologation jokers one by one. The new regulations means that there are less things you can develop gradually. Small additional aero devices are not allowed anymore and the diffs must be the same for all drivers in every rally for the whole year. Finally, testing days are more limited than before. In that sense, it's not the same situation for Hyundai now as it was for Toyota in 2017.

[WRCStan]

Just watched the AVB interview, the thought ran through my mind if he fancied the HM job.

[EstWRC]

AVB? HM job?

[flat_right]

Let's guess - Andre Villas Boas and Hyundai Motorsport?

[WRCStan]

Let's guess - Andre Villas Boas and Hyundai Motorsport?

Yes. Sorry folks, wrong crowd maybe. Andre Villas Boas was a football manager who had success with big name clubs in various top leagues despite never having played professionally. He has some motorsport passion if not much history, some rally connections and maybe transferable skills and qualities. I know it's not going to happen, but it doesn't have to be an ex-driver or petrolbrain to take the boss role.

[ouvreur]

Yes. Sorry folks, wrong crowd maybe. Andre Villas Boas was a football manager who had success with big name clubs in various top leagues despite never having played professionally. He has some motorsport passion if not much history, some rally connections and maybe transferable skills and qualities. I know it's not going to happen, but it doesn't have to be an ex-driver or petrolbrain to take the boss role.
No, but if he's used to football money, he won't be interested in coming to work in motorsport...

[WRCStan]

No, but if he's used to football money, he won't be interested in coming to work in motorsport...

A guy who buys a Citroen C3 WRC to sit in his own car museum has too much money already.

Joking, I'd have one too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thank you. Ott really does look deflated.

The problem for Tanak is nothing has gone right since he (left Toyota) joined Hyundai. He sees his old team win the Titles and now dominating even more with the 2022 Rally1 car.

Big regrets I think.

[Eli]

The problem for Tanak is nothing has gone right since he (left Toyota) joined Hyundai. He sees his old team win the Titles and now dominating even more with the 2022 Rally1 car.

Big regrets I think.

He’s tied with Hyundai until the end of next year right? Any chance he’ll just decide to retire at the end of this one?

[maailmameister]

Ott signed a contract for three years. Unfortunately, there are still 2 years left in this agreement :(

[EstWRC]

He’s tied with Hyundai until the end of next year right? Any chance he’ll just decide to retire at the end of this one?

Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he retires

[bandit12]

Ott signed a contract for three years. Unfortunately, there are still 2 years left in this agreement :(
Wasn't it one year, with possibilities to extend?

[EstWRC]

Wasn't it one year, with possibilities to extend?

It was a multi-year deal which usually means 2+1

[EstWRC]

Asked where he finds his motivation, he simply replied: “There is no other option to be honest.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-everything-needs-improved-on-hyundai/

[flat_right]

I wonder if WRC contracts could include performance clause like Max Verstappen has/had in F1? There was an "escape clause" in the event that they can no longer provide Max with a competitive car then he could go wherever he wants.

[mknight]

I am struggling to feel extremely sorry for Tanak atm.

In 2019 he had warnings of people struggling with the car (in chronological order: Paddon, Mikkelsen, Loeb), but it seemed Hyundai was on the way up with Adamo's leadership (that didn't ignore driver feedback) and some 2019 performances. (Tanak himself mentioned Neuville at 2019 GB).

Two years later he has had enough own experience in the team to be able to make well weighted decision and was in the team to develop the new car. There were tons of comments on how new car is being made for his style etc.



But I also do not really understand the graveyard "mood" here and in his comments. Both Sweden and Croatia were good performance wise. Portugal was basically the first time the car was on gravel, hard to expect miracles. Monte also looked much worse than Croatia and they did comparably much more testing for it.
Reliability is a worry, but again the car is little tested/driven at the moment.

Does this bad mood come more from seeing the Rovanpera+Toyota combination? If you look at Evans he is not that impressive this year besides Portugal (which he also won last year).

[Winner]

I wonder if WRC contracts could include performance clause like Max Verstappen has/had in F1? There was an "escape clause" in the event that they can no longer provide Max with a competitive car then he could go wherever he wants.

But where would he escape to? retirement is the only option. Toyota don't want him and Ford wont pay his big salary.

[EstWRC]

Progress made according to Ott. We will see next week

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220525/1e3fd77264e5af899f9aa553c548e2df.jpg

[logic]

Progress made according to Ott. We will see next week

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220525/1e3fd77264e5af899f9aa553c548e2df.jpg
just remember this for posterity. This will not age well.

[TypeR]

I think it's more PR and from Hyundai HQ, rather than real improvement.

Can't be that now one testd ay did all good.

[Sulland]

IMO Moncet could not grow charisma if he tried. Either you have it or not. He does not.
He might be a good boss, but not as top dog in a manu team.

[EstWRC]

I think it's more PR and from Hyundai HQ, rather than real improvement.

Can't be that now one testd ay did all good.

That’s why I said we will see, I’m skeptical too

And actually there’s written there was process not that all good

[flat_right]

And actually there’s written there was process not that all good

Can you specify? I didn't find anything from that post. So must be somewhere else?

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-one-year-behind-on-reliability/

Well that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the season, I mean, it’s not like we didn’t know it before but still.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Adamo could clearly see all this coming after the delay in Hyundai confirming their 2022 participation.

He hasn't taken another job so didnt leave for that reason and he said to Dirtfish the other day he's 'a retired man'.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/neuville-hyundai-unreliability-allowing-rovanpera-to-run-away-in-wrc/10311094/

'Thierry Neuville says Hyundai's ongoing reliability issues are becoming "very frustrating" and contributing to Toyota's Kalle Rovanpera running away in the World Rally Championship title race.'
Neuville remains Rovanpera's nearest rival in the championship standings after Rally Portugal, but is already facing a 46-point deficit after the Finn scored his third consecutive victory.

The Belgian has encountered mechanical or technical issues in all four rallies to date, with his prospects of a possible victory in Portugal last weekend ending when a driveshaft failure struck during a road section.

Neuville had been sitting second overall, 7.0s adrift of then leader Elfyn Evans, but ended Friday 1m46.4s away from top spot before going on to finish the rally in fifth.

The failure triggered a boil-over of emotions from Neuville, having seen opportunities to win in Croatia and Sweden slip through his grasp following a combination of reliability issues and errors.

During a stage end interview, Neuville pointed to a picture on his phone to explain the issue before swearing in frustration.
Reflecting on yet another missed chance, he told Autosport: "Definitely [a podium was on] and maybe even a fight for the victory could have been possible.

"It would have been tough but we were right behind Elfyn before the issues, so there was a lot to play for but unfortunately the problem arrived and we did the best out of the situation.

When asked about trying to stay calm in these situations, he replied: "It is getting more and more difficult to be honest.
"It is very frustrating, we are here to fight for the championship. I have won rallies and been on the podium, but the target is to win the championship.

"We can see now that already one driver is pulling away, so there is already quite big gap and it makes it difficult to catch back up.
"We can only congratulate Toyota on their performance and their reliability, which is something we are clearly missing. That is making a big difference at the moment.

"That is why they are so strong and that is why Kalle can score victory after victory. This is something we need very soon.

"We are close [to Toyota on performance] but we are not on the level yet, we have to work a bit more. I feel comfortable in the car and I feel I know exactly what to work on to make it faster."

Neuville's team-mate Ott Tänak has also been critical of the i20 N's reliability concerns after a challenging 2021 season during which fragility cost both he and Neuville shots at the title.

"We are quite far, there are plenty of jobs to do, and many things quite open," said Tänak.

"It has generally been difficult to get the confidence we need, but there's no other option than hard work to try and turn things around."
Hyundai has faced an uphill struggle with its 2022 Rally1 car, exacerbated by the manufacturer being the last to commit to the new rule package. The departure of team boss Andrea Adamo also affected the operation's structure, while development of the i20 N has been limited.
The car has made progress from a disastrous Monte Carlo debut in January, scoring four podiums, with its latest a third in Portugal courtesy of Dani Sordo.

Deputy team director Julien Moncet, who has been acting as team boss, is aware of the i20 N's weaknesses but says only more mileage will improve its reliability.

"We know we have a lot of work ahead of us," Moncet told Autosport.

"Sardinia is a short time [away], but we will do out best and we should really try to avoid these reliability issues. The performance of the car is okay.

"For that we need mileage and we need time. We go step by step but let's hope we will be able to fix them as soon as possible."

[WRCStan]

Deputy team director Julien Moncet, who has been acting as team boss, is aware of the i20 N's weaknesses but says only more mileage will improve its reliability.

Erm, OK. Huh? How?

And also just my opinion: it's wrong to copy/paste an entire free article. I don't know if you are the author.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Adamo interview stating he left for health reasons (and perhaps because he didnt agree with the new hybrid cars)...

https://www.rallyssimo.it/2022/05/28/rallyssimo-meets-andrea-adamo/

"I had to dedicate myself to my health and nothing else, that became my priority."

"I am still convinced today, after seeing the race in Portugal as a retiree who goes to see a WRC race instead of the road construction sites, that this regulation was a mistake. I am convinced that today’s cars should have been Rally2, with a bigger restrictor, maybe a more eye-catching wing and rear bumper."

[logic]

If he left for health reasons why is he on dirt fish and every rally every chance he gets?

Come on.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If he left for health reasons why is he on dirt fish and every rally every chance he gets?

Come on.

That's nothing like having the pressure of being responsible for running the Hyundai WRT and it's late Rally1 car.

[wyler]

If he left for health reasons why is he on dirt fish and every rally every chance he gets?

Come on.

it's very different going to a pub from being the bartender...

[Gonek]

Gentlemen, please stop! It‘s him who is responsible for all the shit Hyunday has now.

[flat_right]

Gentlemen, please stop! It‘s him who is responsible for all the shit Hyunday has now.

I can't believe that Hyundai waiting until the last minute was HIS fault. Most of the problems Hyundai is facing is because they had so little time to prepare for the season.

[flat_right]

Anyway, on a positive note, Ott sounded reasonably happy during the interview for Estonian media. Lately Ott and the guy who is interviewing (Peep Pahv) click quite ok, so Ott is quite open and giving nice answers, which couldn't be said couple of years ago. I translated the whole interview again so you could decide yourself.

Q: Ott Tänak, it's been a week and a half since the Rally Portugal. How much could you now repair the car and make any changes?
A: After Portugal, we were able to do a one-day test here in Sardinia. It was definitely much more positive than the test before Portugal. We were able to drive reasonable kilometers, there were no major technical problems during the test. The whole day was useful and went well. In Portugal, it was bad enough and we managed to learn from there and the test went a little better. I am certainly more positive before Sardinia than before Portugal.

Q: The information that you gathered in Portugal, could you manage to take and use some of it for this rally?
A: Let’s say that since the two rallies are linked, for example, transmissions and other things that cannot be changed and must stay the same, there we couldn't do anything. But at the same time, the chassis settings and such things, we were able to move to our working window much better. There should definitely come some positive feedback from there. Hopefully everything will work the same way on the rally. In general, yes, it was an efficient test day.

Q: Rally Sardenga has always suited Hyundai, with victories and other good results. Although the car has changed, is it still possible to transfer some of it to the current car so that Hyundai knows what it takes to win here?
A: The old Hyundai car was always very good in rough or difficult rallies, because it was designed to be relatively high. And where it had to be driven with a high ground clearance, it performed better than other cars. Again, this car is designed a little lower so that you can drive faster in other faster rallies. I can't tell if it should be here above all else, we’ll see. It's hard to say before the rally. I personally don’t think that Rally Sardegna will be harder than Portugal. In fact, in Portugal there were some special stages that were in a very bad shape.

Q: There has been a lot of talk about heat. Today it is already quite warm and it's getting hotter. Has anything been done to improve the situation of co-drives in the car? Did you manage to add some heat shielding or anything?
A: It was already covered before. After all, if heat wants to penetrate, it will penetrate through. The FIA allowed us to use mirrored glass and it should shed a little of the outside sun. And a few holes were allowed to be made so maybe a little more air could move inside the car. It's bits and pieces here and there. It's going to be like sitting on a stove, especially for Martin. But in general, the car heats up inside and if it is 40 degrees outside, it can be doubled inside the car. We’ll see how tough it is going to be. Sitting in the sauna for 15-20 minutes is okay, but it's hard to prepare for doing it for 12 hours.

Q: Could you already understand during the test how much benefit this gold-colored film has?
A: Actually, during the test, we had a quite okay temp, 22-25 degrees. It wasn't very crazy. The test also always means that we drive back and forth and, in the meantime, we turn around and have to wait until the dust disappears. And then the whole engine system cools down. During the test it won't reach the same temperatures as on the rally.

Q: The heat will definitely affect the tires. How severe the combination of road and heat is going to be for the tires?
A: It's definitely one of the hardest rallies for the tires during the season. Firstly, in terms of durability. During the recce, we could see that there were a relatively large number of loose stones. You have to be ready for surprises there. Secondly, highly abrasive roads combined with temperatures make it equally challenging for tyre wear. I think it’s going to be rather complicated, especially for those cars that start early. Then if there is loose gravel, you would need a soft tire that would better absorb these ball bearings on the ground. But while it's so hot, it obviously overheats right away. This tyre choice will be a headache.

Q: Rally Sardegna is symbolically an important place for you. Here you got your first victory. After that, of course, there have been many more. But how often do you remember that you won here and the moment goes through your head?
A: At the moment I haven't thought about it. These things will happen sometimes in the future and of course they are special. Looking back, it was definitely a very important moment in my career. Until then, we had been very close several times, and in order for the system to work, let's say this cap needed to be removed. At that moment, it was done, and since then we have been close other times, and even until the last stage coming quite safely. Sardinia is such a harsh place where you can always be surprised.

[Lancia Stratos]

I can't believe that Hyundai waiting until the last minute was HIS fault. Most of the problems Hyundai is facing is because they had so little time to prepare for the season.

And why was that?

I'll give you one guess which team was the first to place an order for a hybrid kit?

And I'll give you one guess which team manager thought he could stop the FIA from going ahead with hybrid?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And why was that?

I'll give you one guess which team was the first to place an order for a hybrid kit?

And I'll give you one guess which team manager thought he could stop the FIA from going ahead with hybrid?

Yes Adamo was against hybrid. But once the regulations were decided it was Hyundai HQ who delayed the decision for their team to take part in 2022

[Lancia Stratos]

Yes Adamo was against hybrid. But once the regulations were decided it was Hyundai HQ who delayed the decision for their team to take part in 2022

Ha! That was the official line, yes........

[flat_right]

Ha! That was the official line, yes........

So what you are telling us that once the regulations were agreed and confirmed, Adamo was still saying no, we are not doing this and was just waiting... Amazing. Any proof?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think it's more PR and from Hyundai HQ, rather than real improvement.

Can't be that now one test.day did all good.

Tanak after Sardinia win...

"Luckily, we had a test day between Portugal and Sardinia and we could continue working and we definitely did some good improvements. Before the rally, I was much more confident in the car. Obviously, it has worked out pretty well."

[EstWRC]

TÄNAK AWARE “BIG THINGS” STILL NEED TO CHANGE WITH HYUNDAI

“It’s definitely a big job for the guys, because we haven’t done any development on gravel for this car at all. So I mean now every rally is like a development for us, and step-by-step we are learning and just have to see how fast we can react.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-aware-big-things-still-need-to-change-with-hyundai/

[Eli]

TÄNAK AWARE “BIG THINGS” STILL NEED TO CHANGE WITH HYUNDAI

“It’s definitely a big job for the guys, because we haven’t done any development on gravel for this car at all. So I mean now every rally is like a development for us, and step-by-step we are learning and just have to see how fast we can react.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-aware-big-things-still-need-to-change-with-hyundai/

Still maybe a possibility to fight for a win in Estonia/Finland, perhaps New-Zealand? I mean, he did manage to win last weekend, sure he had a bit of luck but Sardegna was one of the tougher challenges of the season.

[ouvreur]

just remember this for posterity. This will not age well.

May I just say... LOL...

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-pushing-hard-for-hyundais-structure-to-be-fixed/

It looks like a long road ahead before Hyundai get back on it’s two feet, I hope they manage that sooner rather than later and get things sorted so at least they'll have a (probably slim) chance winning the manufacturer’s title.

[meh]

Still maybe a possibility to fight for a win in Estonia/Finland, perhaps New-Zealand? I mean, he did manage to win last weekend, sure he had a bit of luck but Sardegna was one of the tougher challenges of the season.

Maybe it's a bit too much at the moment to hope win's from fast rallies. Yes, Tänak likes them, but I'm not sure about Hyundai. Sardinia was relatively slow rally compared to those mentioned ones. At the same time - there are 3 pilots for low-altitude-flying jobs in (The Aero) Toyota.

[Eli]

Maybe it's a bit too much at the moment to hope win's from fast rallies. Yes, Tänak likes them, but I'm not sure about Hyundai. Sardinia was relatively slow rally compared to those mentioned ones. At the same time - there are 3 pilots for low-altitude-flying jobs in (The Aero) Toyota.

Well in any case, I hope their win in Sardegna won't be their one and only win this season.

[flat_right]

As they have now base in Finland, I am quite positive that they can find some good setups from there as there are no restrictions for testing.

[EstWRC]

As they have now base in Finland, I am quite positive that they can find some good setups from there as there are no restrictions for testing.

Exactly. And the speed was good at fast Rally Sweden.

[Eli]

Exactly. And the speed was good at fast Rally Sweden.

They just need to sort out their reliability (not on the account of speed of course).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I've never been a fan of Hyundai, but even I was glad to see the progress they seem to have made. It's so mportant for the WRC to keep them in the series and to have them and their drivers competitive.

[masa90]

This season has been a horrible showing for the team. I hope that the rumours about them leaving are not true.

[focus206]

This season has been a horrible showing for the team. I hope that the rumours about them leaving are not true.

If we didn't have just 3 manufacturers, I'd love to see Neuville and Tanak abandon Hyundai and see Hyundai quit in embarassment. They deserve nothing for being such an amateur village team (borrowing NOT's definitions).
Zero faith in them in improving the car at any time.

[denkimi]

Perhaps hyundai could ask Msport to build their car and run their team. They clearly can't do it themself.

[WRCStan]

Does it tell anything that Hyundai only have just enough cars? Thierry and Ott have contested every round in the same cars despite issue after issue. Oliver's Monte hotbox has not been used again, second burnt in Croatia, third car shared with Dani since. In the past they had at least different cars for the long hauls.

Compare to Toyota who have 2 cars for each 4/5 drivers, none of which have been destroyed. M-Sport doing some sort of rotation but have a 4th and customer capacity.

[Eli]

I just hope we don’t get to an October 2019 type of situation where we see Hyundai announce leaving WRC effective immediately after 2022.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Does it tell anything that Hyundai only have just enough cars? Thierry and Ott have contested every round in the same cars despite issue after issue. Oliver's Monte hotbox has not been used again, second burnt in Croatia, third car shared with Dani since. In the past they had at least different cars for the long hauls.

Compare to Toyota who have 2 cars for each 4/5 drivers, none of which have been destroyed. M-Sport doing some sort of rotation but have a 4th and customer capacity.

Sounds from this that they have a limited budget. Maybe the only way the HQ would agree to keep the team in WRC and partly why Adamo quit.

[mknight]

There are some pretty bad signs, also looking like Citroen last years.

- "big boss" kicked for failing
- "engineer" with seemingly little authority to make big decisions takes over and stays om the job
- low number of cars/starters (3 only, paying guys told to go elsewhere)
- "cheap" lineup ( talking about Sordo/Solberg here, Sordo said it's his last season and Solberg certainly doesn't get big salary)


Let's hope they improve and Hyundai waits at least another year, given the invested money.

A positive sign is that the Rally2 now starts to look both competetive and reliable. Should prbly hope new Skoda doesn't best it too much.

[Sulland]

Hyundai need a leader, that knows what is important and not, to get a good fast and reliable car.
And they need it now!

[mknight]

Well Loriaux should know, but somehow that doesn't seem to make enough difference.

[Eli]

There are some pretty bad signs, also looking like Citroen last years.

- "big boss" kicked for failing
- "engineer" with seemingly little authority to make big decisions takes over and stays om the job
- low number of cars/starters (3 only, paying guys told to go elsewhere)
- "cheap" lineup ( talking about Sordo/Solberg here, Sordo said it's his last season and Solberg certainly doesn't get big salary)


Let's hope they improve and Hyundai waits at least another year, given the invested money.

A positive sign is that the Rally2 now starts to look both competetive and reliable. Should prbly hope new Skoda doesn't best it too much.

Yeah but the question is, for how long both Neuville & Tänak are willing to put up with it? And where would they go, assuming Tänak doesn’t want to retire after this year.

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/hyundai-calls-for-reaction-to-nightmare-day-at-safari-rally/10328403/

At least Hyundai Motorsport deputy team director Julien Moncet, acknowledges this, hopefully they’ll do something about it and improve it before it’s too late.

[Gonek]

Well Loriaux should know, but somehow that doesn't seem to make enough difference.

Loriaux worked before at M-Sport. They are not better this weekend. Maybe he is the reason of Hyunday problems…

[Eli]

So, any chance of Hyundai fixing those reliability issues before the end of the year, or should they just start focusing on their 2023 version of their car? (Assuming they don’t quit).

[TypeR]

One thing that shows team's difference is that Neuville and Tanak have used the same cars on all rallies so far. Toyota guys(every driver) have used two different cars..

[Eli]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/moncet-hyundai-wrc-team-still-working-through-complications/10330085/

You guys think Moncet will continue beyond this year? (assuming he's until the end of this year).

[logic]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/moncet-hyundai-wrc-team-still-working-through-complications/10330085/

You guys think Moncet will continue beyond this year? (assuming he's until the end of this year).

He is just taking up what was left to him from the previous administration.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It sounds a lot like Safari Rally was the final straw and some serious action is about to be taken by several areas of the team/organisation.

[logic]

It sounds a lot like Safari Rally was the final straw and some serious action is about to be taken by several areas of the team/organisation.

Thing is this is nothing new within that team

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thing is this is nothing new within that team

But after the high of Tanak's win in Sardinia, this new low has hit even harder.

[logic]

But after the high of Tanak's win in Sardinia, this new low has hit even harder.


That win was a lucky win, had not the stage been cancelled it would of been business as usual, but his pace was there or there about, even in safari as well.

[Gordini]

You guys think Moncet will continue beyond this year? (assuming he's until the end of this year).

Why not have a talk with Petter and Pernilla they have good practice from rally and rallycross at world championship level at 110%. They are good at building a team and have people love their team.

[mknight]

Well to lighten up all the doom in this thread we have so far not seen any clear speed/drivability issues (over more than a few stages).

So it is possible that the car can still be very good. Question might be how long it takes and whether Hyundai commits the necessary resources, gives up, or tries to run things half-way.

Thinking about how Hyundai vs Toyota looked in first half of 2017 (Hyundai clearly best) vs 2018/2019 (Toyota definitely best).

[mknight]

Why not have a talk with Petter and Pernilla they have good practice from rally and rallycross at world championship level at 110%. They are good at building a team and have people love their team.

It won't work with Oliver in the same team.
After watching the "Team Solberg" reality/documentary from last year it was clear that Petter made all kind of mess in that role, seemingly mostly due to the struggles between father role and other roles and first when he was "kicked" after Greece/Finland it improved.

[rallyfiend]

The mere fact that Petter and Pernilla can't even leave their little darling alone for recce proves that he has little to no idea of what would be required for running a team with over 200 staff and a significant budget. How's oliver's career going, eh?

HMSG is a business. And a very large one.

It's clear he's not even doing a very good job of managing his son.....

[1988senna]

Is it possible that Hyundai withdraw from wrc at the end of this year??

[masa90]

I would say so. Hope that they stay though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well to lighten up all the doom in this thread we have so far not seen any clear speed/drivability issues (over more than a few stages).

So it is possible that the car can still be very good. Question might be how long it takes and whether Hyundai commits the necessary resources, gives up, or tries to run things half-way.

Thinking about how Hyundai vs Toyota looked in first half of 2017 (Hyundai clearly best) vs 2018/2019 (Toyota definitely best).

IMO they have to go all-in if they're to have any hope of challenging Toyota. If not they may as well quit asap.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Although his car was later disqualified, it was a very very emotional Oliver Solberg when he took the win at the Euro RX1 in Holjes.

"Its been so hard. Finally, FINALLY, a win ! "

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWwarC-XwAEAv9a?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWwarERXEAQzaqu?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

New 3 year deal announced with Shell https://twitter.com/hmsgofficial/status/1544593629649543168?s=21&t=TixkvQo76u-8JN98HsIEig

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sounds promising for the future of the team staying in the WRC.