With the season concluding at the end of November in Japan, Hyundai is in an excellent position for both titles.
Hyundai leads the manufacturers’ standings by 15 points over Toyota, and the drivers’ championship was secured in Central Europe, guaranteeing that a Hyundai driver will be crowned champion – either Thierry Neuville or Ott Tänak.
Neuville is close to clinching his first career championship, holding a 25-point lead over Tänak in the drivers’ standings.
In motorsport, the manufacturers’ title traditionally holds the greatest significance for teams, though public discourse often focuses on the drivers’ championship. But which title is truly more important to Hyundai?
“We set some targets at the start of the season, which were very much around the driver titles. And again, we should not revisit the target halfway into the game,” Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul stated to RallyJournal.com.
“So that’s definitely what matters. I do believe it’s the driver championship, and I think that’s what history tends to remember. It will also be our first. We’ve had a title before as a manufacturer but never as a driver,” Abiteboul added.
Thierry Neuville has already finished as the runner-up in the drivers’ standings five times. This has earned him a reputation as the “eternal second,” but now that title is finally set to change – deservedly so.
“I don’t think anyone would disagree that Thierry deserves it for all the effort and work he’s put into the rally, especially this season. But, I’m also representing a brand, not just a driver,” Abiteboul remarked.
“Clearly the manufacturer title also matters for the 11, and very soon 12, years of commitment to the sport. So both matter. We know that we’re not going to lose both, which could have happened at some point. So the fact that one is secured gives us more focus and drive on the second one,” Abiteboul emphasised.
The WRC season finale, Rally Japan, will take place from 21-24 November in Toyota’s home territory around Toyota City.
