Le Rally Central Europe was no walk in the park for Hyundaibetween the abandonment of Thierry Neuville Sunday, and the setbacks ofAdrien fourmaux over the entire round. Despite the podium finish achieved by Ott Tänak (2nd), the manufacturer helplessly witnessed the crowning of his rival, ToyotaThe Japanese brand secured its fifth consecutive constructors’ title, with a two-race lead. However, there is still much to be gained in the final stages of the 2025 calendar. WRCAs the championship resumes in Japan this weekend, Hyundai has already established a clear plan to try and finish on a positive note.
Firstly, the title race is not over for Hyundai. Ott Tänak is still mathematically in contention for the Drivers’ title, even if his chances are slim, trailing leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota) by 50 points and Kalle Rovanperä by 37. Sébastien Ogier, also equipped with Toyotas.
“It is quite clear that we will do everything in our power to give Ott the best possible chance of getting closer to the title fight,” Andrew Wheatley, Hyundai’s sporting director, confided this on the sidelines of the Rally Japan. on WRC.com. I think we have to be realistic, it’s going to be difficult. But it’s also going to be difficult for the three Toyota drivers. We’ll be there to work as hard as possible to seize every opportunity. With 70 points still up for grabs, Ott and Martin [Järveoja] are among the four crews still in contention for the drivers’ championship, but this race will force them to be in a strong position to capitalize on any problems their rivals might have if they want to fight to the final round.
Hyundai is focused on 2026 in Japan
Beyond this battle, Hyundai will continue its development work ahead of the 2026 season, where it hopes to close the gap to Toyota. After the Central Europe Rally, Tanak will again drive the previous generation i20 N, while his teammates Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux will drive the upgraded versions of the car.
“We are approaching Rally Japan with the intention of continuing to develop our performance on asphalt, following the intensive work carried out before Rally Central Europe, Wheatley continues. While we can be pleased with the progress made in recent weeks, with Thierry and Ott’s victories in stages of the CER (Central Europe Rally – Ed.), we must continue to push hard for this final asphalt event of the year.
Asphalt rallies have proven to be a weak point for Hyundai’s new i20 N Rally1, but the manufacturer firmly believes that progress made since the Canary Islands in April, where the performance gap between Toyota and Hyundai was most evident, will enable them to close the gap. “We came away [from the Central Europe Rally] with the best times, and this rally has so many different surfaces and conditions that it’s complicated. It’s a good step forward, but we’re not quite where we need to be yet.” I think we’ve probably halved [the performance gap with Toyota]. It’s a tough challenge, and world championships are tough, which is why world championship winners are rightly very proud of their success. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
It remains to be seen whether these improvements will translate into performance this weekend, as early mornings will be required in Europe to witness the first stages of the Rally Japan.
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AloJapan.com