Speculation has been circulating for some time suggesting that Hyundai might withdraw from the WRC in the near future. These rumours gained further momentum last autumn, when Hyundai announced it would enter the circuit-based WEC series under its Genesis brand.
The team has not yet confirmed whether it will continue as a full factory squad in the WRC beyond 2025. Some of the more dramatic rumours even claim that Hyundai’s rally chapter could close after this season.
Hyundai’s top management is still waiting on final decisions regarding the future of the WRC and its next technical regulations. The FIA is expected to lock in the new WRC27 rule set by the end of August, determining what kind of cars will compete in the top class from 2027 onward.
What is already confirmed, however, is that Hyundai’s Genesis brand will debut in circuit racing next year.
“WEC is a championship that is doing well because, in my view, it has found a rather magical formula: a system where costs are kept under control. There’s a performance guarantee of sorts, and the manufacturer can focus on three key areas. One, distinctive design. Two, engine technology. And three, for those who wish, using the platform to tell stories,” said Hyundai Motorsport president and WRC team boss Cyril Abiteboul in an interview with italian-endurance.com.
“I have huge respect for the WRC, but the reality is that today we’re only fighting against Toyota,” Abiteboul stressed.
According to Abiteboul, Genesis will target the LMP2 class in WEC next year. In 2027, the plan is to enter the IMSA series in North America.
Abiteboul was quick to reassure that Hyundai’s move into endurance racing does not automatically signal the end of its rally programme.
“The Genesis endurance programme will not come at the expense of Hyundai’s WRC or TCR involvement,” the French team boss promised.
The FIA’s goal is that with the new regulations, the WRC’s top class could attract as many as 20 entries in the future.
