The 41-year-old Spaniard has been competing as a part-time driver for Hyundai for several years. This season, Sordo delivered impressive results once again in Hyundai’s third car, achieving two podium finishes and one fifth-place in the three WRC events he contested.
Last weekend, Sordo participated in Spain’s Pozoblanco Rally with Hyundai’s Rally1 car as a test. His car was not equipped with a hybrid unit, following the recent confirmation that hybrid systems will no longer be used in Rally1 cars next season.
“I liked the hybrid system, but the problem was that it had too many failures. In that sense, I think getting rid of it was the right decision,” Sordo told Diario AS.
“However, it’s a mistake to make the air restrictor smaller. We need to push for it to remain the same because changing it means higher costs and less performance,” Sordo explained.
This autumn, rumours have swirled about Sordo possibly becoming Hyundai’s new WRC team principal. Such a move would allow current team boss Cyril Abiteboul to focus on his broader responsibilities as Hyundai Motorsport’s chairman.
Sordo, however, has dismissed these rumours.
“Taking on a team management role, as has been speculated, is too soon. I still see myself as a driver, not at rallies without racing. I can help the team, but I don’t see myself in an office – that’s not for me,” Sordo said.
Hyundai has yet to confirm who will drive their third car next season. This year, Sordo shared duties with Esapekka Lappi and Andreas Mikkelsen. Strong rumours suggest that M-Sport Ford’s Adrien Fourmaux could join Hyundai in 2025, alongside Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak.
Keeping busy
The WRC season finale takes place this weekend in Japan, where Hyundai has the chance for a big win: either Neuville or Tänak will be crowned drivers’ champion, and the team holds a 15-point lead over Toyota in the manufacturers’ championship battle.
Sordo will not be attending the rally, nor will he travel to Japan.
“I’m busy organising the Race of Champions at Karting La Roca, which is a week later. I’ve travelled to Korea twice in the past few weeks, and I’m disappointed I won’t be there to see if Neuville and Hyundai win, but I simply don’t have the time,” Sordo admitted.
“I was invited to compete in a rally in France, but I couldn’t make it due to time constraints. However, I’ll be at the Monza Rally Show in December,” Sordo revealed.
