Sordo participated in the Pozoblanco Rally with Hyundai’s top-tier rally car, likely aiming to test how the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 performs in a gravel competition without the hybrid unit, which will be scrapped after this WRC season. The removal of hybrid units presents a significant challenge for WRC teams, requiring substantial adjustments to their vehicles.
As expected, the Spanish veteran was the fastest in the rally, finishing with a margin of 1 minute and 42 seconds ahead of the national championship leader, Alejandro Cachón. The event consisted of seven special stages, covering a total distance of around 100 kilometres. However, Sordo chose not to attend the final time control, resulting in his disqualification and Cachón being declared the winner.
“It was fun to drive these stages. Some sections reminded me of the Argentinian and Sardinian rallies. It was important that we were able to find some improvements for next year’s car,” Sordo commented.
It has been speculated that Sordo will retire from the WRC after this season and transition to a managerial role with Hyundai’s rally team. However, reports suggest that the Spaniard is still considering one final outing at next spring’s Rally Portugal, allowing the veteran to end his career in style.
Below, you can watch a short video summary of Sordo’s performance in Spain.
More videos from Rally Pozolanco:
The winner of the Pozoblanco Rally’s national competition, Cachón, was also crowned champion of the Spanish Rally Championship (Spain Superchampionship). Competing with a Toyota Rally2 car, Cachón secured four victories during the season, two on asphalt and two on gravel.
Cachón’s title was confirmed when Diego Ruiloba was forced to retire from the season’s final race. Nevertheless, Ruiloba claimed the series silver medal ahead of José Suárez, who finished second in the Pozoblanco Rally.
