Belgian outlet AutoTrends.be reports that Hyundai’s senior management has already made the decision, and an official announcement is expected “very soon.”
Respected rally journalist Olivier de Wilde, who authored the article, claims that Hyundai will shift its focus entirely to circuit racing. The South Korean manufacturer announced last year that it would enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) under the Genesis brand.
Rumours about Hyundai’s exit from the WRC have been circulating since late last summer, but the latest reports suggest that the withdrawal of the factory team is now practically certain.
Hyundai’s departure would be a major blow to the WRC, as the team has been Toyota’s only real competitor in the top category. Last year, Hyundai celebrated its first-ever drivers’ world title, with Thierry Neuville securing the championship at the end of the season.
According to the Belgian publication, the remaining top-class manufacturers have already held discussions about the alarming situation and have seemingly reached a consensus that the WRC’s top category should switch to Rally2-spec cars as early as 2026.
Speculation suggests that Rally2 cars would be used for at least the next two seasons, allowing the current manufacturers to remain involved through private teams. This would also open the door for increased competition, as Skoda and Citroen’s Rally2 cars could compete in the top category.
At the end of last year, the FIA confirmed that Rally1 cars would remain in use until the end of 2026. For this season, hybrid units were removed from the cars.
In December, the FIA also outlined the regulations for the next homologation cycle, which is set to come into force in 2027. Under the new plans, top-class cars will have a price cap of €345,000 and will move closer to Rally2 in terms of technology.
Hyundai has not yet commented on the latest rumours. The team is currently in Kenya, where the third round of the season will take place from Thursday onwards.
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul has previously stated that the team is expected to make a decision about its WRC future by the summer.
