Of course, there are still four rounds remaining, but a 20-point lead under the new points system is a significant advantage. So far, Hyundai’s only manufacturers’ championships were won in 2019 and 2020.
Check the World Rally Championship standings here.
This year’s battle for the manufacturers’ title saw a massive twist on the final day of Rally Finland. First, Toyota’s Elfyn Evans crashed his car into the trees, preventing him from scoring any points on Sunday. Then, in the final corner of the same stage, a large loose rock sent Kalle Rovanperä off the road from his leading position. Hyundai took full advantage of the situation as Toyota’s anticipated points haul was reversed in an instant.
“Following a very mixed weekend in Finland, we are going to Greece searching for improved results as a team,” says Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“Of course we want to win the rally, however crucially we need to be at the top of the standings on Saturday and take as many points as possible from Super Sunday.”
Hyundai’s impressive performances on Sundays have been a key factor in this season’s championship battle. Time and again, Hyundai drivers have outperformed Toyota pilots in the Super Sunday showdowns. However, Abiteboul emphasises that nothing has been decided yet.
“It is vital that we keep our focus at an event like this: we cannot afford to make any mistakes, both with strategy and on the stages,” the team boss underlines.
“We’ve demonstrated the improved performance of the car at fast gravel events, and now our goal is to finish strong at Acropolis Rally and maintain our lead in all three standings.”
The Acropolis Rally of Greece starts on Thursday morning with a shakedown stage. The main rally begins on Friday, with a total of just over 300 kilometres to be covered.
