On Wednesday, Hyundai Motorsport announced that Abiteboul is set to become the president of the Korean manufacturer’s motorsport division, stepping into the position previously held by Sean Kim, who will transition to other roles within Hyundai Motor Company.
Abiteboul, who gained prominence in Formula One, took the helm of Hyundai’s WRC team at the beginning of this year. He has initiated changes in the team’s leadership and brought on Francois-Xavier Demaison as the technical director.
It was Sean Kim who was instrumental in Abiteboul’s recruitment to the team. Now, with his new role, the Frenchman is poised to have even greater influence over Hyundai Motorsport.
“Just as twelve months ago I was pleased to welcome Cyril Abiteboul into the Hyundai family, today I hand over the role of President to him. Hyundai Motorsport has been like a family for me these past two years and as I am turning to new challenges, I do so in the knowledge that the company is in the hands of a renewed leadership team, and able to push strongly for the seasons ahead,” stated Kim.
Abiteboul will also maintain his current position as the WRC team principal.
Hyundai has set ambitious goals for the upcoming season in the World Rally Championship. The team is aiming for the manufacturers’ championship, while star drivers Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak are focused on clinching the individual world championship.
In the next season, Esapekka Lappi will be sharing the responsibilities in Hyundai’s third car with Andreas Mikkelsen and Dani Sordo.
