The WRC’s silly season is at its peak, with driver placements for next season being decided behind the scenes.
Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak will continue with Hyundai, but the situation regarding the third car remains undecided. Team principal Cyril Abiteboul indicated that decisions are closer but not yet finalised.
“We’re closer. However, we’re not yet at the point of sharing anything,” Abiteboul said.
“Discussions will turn into options, and options will turn into decisions, but we’re not quite there yet,” Abiteboul added.
Speculation surrounds Hyundai’s plans for next season, with questions about whether the team will run three cars with three permanent drivers or continue rotating multiple drivers in the third car, as in recent years.
It’s not entirely out of the question that Hyundai could add a fourth car next year, which could also allow for driver rotation.
“You can always consider things. At the moment, we’re thinking of going with three cars, but we’re keeping an open mind to other possibilities,” the French boss reflected.
Abiteboul was then directly asked who he thinks would be the best option for the third car. Rumours have linked Adrien Fourmaux, who has had a strong and consistent season with M-Sport, to the role.
“I won’t answer that. Nice try. I’ll explain our decision and the rationale behind it in due course. But I don’t want to share the rationale before the decision, as that would obviously hint at our plan,” Abiteboul firmly stated.
This season, Finnish driver Esapekka Lappi shared driving duties in Hyundai’s third car with Andreas Mikkelsen and Dani Sordo. Lappi has been competing part-time with Hyundai this season and has openly expressed his willingness to continue as a part-time driver.
“EP is always in my heart, so he’s still around,” Abiteboul said cryptically.
The futures of Mikkelsen and Sordo are also uncertain. Rumours have linked Sordo to the role of team principal, potentially replacing Abiteboul. Abiteboul could then focus on broader responsibilities, as he also serves as the chairman of Hyundai Motorsport.
