Hyundai driver in his last WRC rally? Makes his goal clear

Hyundai's Andreas Mikkelsen may well be driving his final WRC rally at the top level in Japan.
Andreas Mikkelsen
Andreas Mikkelsen. Photo by: Hyundai Motorsport
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

This season, Mikkelsen has alternated in Hyundai’s third car, but his future remains uncertain. Mikkelsen himself has admitted that he does not have much confidence in continuing to drive a Rally1 car next season.

The plans for next season will become clearer later, but before that, Mikkelsen faces one more very challenging task as he competes in Rally Japan.

The stakes are high in Japan. Hyundai has a strong chance of securing the manufacturers’ championship on Toyota’s home turf. Additionally, the drivers’ championship will certainly be celebrated by either Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville or Ott Tänak.

Mikkelsen, 35, is competing in Rally Japan for the second time in his career.

“Rally Japan is an event that I did for the first time last year. It was very enjoyable even though the conditions were very, very difficult, but it was a great challenge,” Mikkelsen previewed.

“The roads are very twisty and very technical, and at this time of the year the conditions are even more unpredictable. It’s quite different to all the other tarmac rallies that we compete at, the only rally that could be a bit similar is Corsica in terms of being very technical – but it contrasts
greatly to Central European Rally,” Mikkelsen continued.

Mikkelsen’s role in Japan is quite clear. He needs to help the team secure the manufacturers’ championship and also support Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak in their championship battle.

“The most important aspect of this event will obviously be the fight with Toyota, so I am sure it will be tough fight them on their home ground – they have nothing to lose. It will be a very big battle, but I think we are all ready for it,” Mikkelsen stated.

Also check out