Hyundai is guaranteed to win the drivers’ championship, as the only challenger to championship leader Thierry Neuville is his teammate Ott Tänak. They are separated by 25 points heading into the final round of the season.
The manufacturers’ title fight, however, remains open. Hyundai leads Toyota by 15 points, but for Toyota to clinch the title, it would require a flawless performance while Hyundai would need to completely falter in Japan.
“We head to Japan full of anticipation for what is to come,” Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul stated.
“Right now, I want to acknowledge the hard work of both Thierry and Martijn (Wydaeghe) and Ott and Martin (Järveoja) this year. As a team, we will support both crews as they push to finish in the top spot of the Championship bringing home Hyundai’s first WRC drivers’ and co drivers’ titles,” Abiteboul continued.
However, the team boss acknowledged that Toyota remains a significant obstacle. Japan is Toyota’s home event, and naturally, the team will be eager to perform strongly on their home soil.
“In addition to that, we will do all we can to take a clean sweep and claim the manufacturers’ title too. We know it will be very difficult as Toyota are always very strong and motivated in Japan,” Abiteboul pointed out.
Abiteboul also emphasised the importance of patience within the team.
“A key element will be to be very realistic about what is at stake for all, and see how we can show the best possible team effort to finish the season with the strongest statement of what has been demonstrated all the way since the opening round in Monte Carlo,” Abiteboul concluded.
