Reports suggest that Hyundai is considering a move to the World Endurance Championship. This could mean that Hyundai might withdraw from the WRC.
Hyundai’s departure would be a major blow to the WRC, which has seen frequent discussions about its future this year. The series currently has only three teams in the top class – Toyota, Hyundai, and M-Sport Ford – which it cannot afford to lose. At the same time, efforts are being made to attract new manufacturers to increase competition.
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul neither confirmed nor denied the rumours about the WEC move during Rally Poland. Hyundai Motorsport is expected to announce its motorsport plans in the coming months.
WRC Promoter’s Senior Director of Sport Peter Thul, however, is trying to calm the rumours.
“It is normal for teams to discuss their budgets at the end of the year. I can’t speak for Cyril, but I believe that with the stability of the regulations for 2025 and 2026, there is no reason not to continue until 2026,” Thul said.
“However, the decisions are made by the manufacturers, not by us. Our task is to ensure that everyone loves the championship and wants to stay.”
The FIA announced in June that the current Rally1 cars will be used in the top class of the WRC until the end of 2026. The goal is to finalise the technical regulations for the 2027 season by the end of this year.
“We must make the WRC so attractive that they (the manufacturers) have no choice but to stay,” Thul emphasised.
“We will do everything to keep these three on board and we have had good discussions with them. We are open to any suggestions. I think we have never had so much good discussions whether it’s regulations or sporting regulations.”
According to Thul, the rules for 2027 need to be put on paper as quickly as possible. This will create a more stable foundation for the future of the series.
“I also hope if we have good regulations done by the end of the year to get at least one more manufacturer going into 2027. This is our target.”
“This is our wish, because we have to move the championship forward.”
Sources: Autohebdo.fr, Autosport.com
