Hyundai presents the new i20 N Rally1 for a strong start to the 2026 World Cup!

Hyundai presents the new i20 N Rally1 for a strong start to the 2026 World Cup!

Hyundai has done a great job! The new design of the revised i20 N Rally1 for the 2026 WRC season was recently presented and the excitement is palpable. The goal is clear: to close the gap to the main rival Toyota, which last year boasted 12 victories throughout the year. Hyundai itself was only able to record two victories. The Hyundai Motorsport team still has a lot of work to do to make up for the lost points. Motorline reports that the team has worked intensively on the consistency and reliability of the car, especially on asphalt and in slippery conditions.

Hyundai had planned 16 test days during the winter break. Before the start in Monte Carlo, the pilots flew to the south of France to prepare for the challenges ahead. But star driver Thierry Neuville's test day had to be canceled at short notice and postponed to Sunday. Adrien Fourmaux was able to test on Friday, while Hayden Paddon completed his first kilometers in the new i20 N Rally1 on Saturday.

A strong driver team for 2026

The driver line-up speaks for itself: Thierry Neuville, who won the title in 2024, will be at the start together with Adrien Fourmaux. And that's not all - the team has opted for a rotating third vehicle, shared by Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi and the returning Hayden Paddon. This experience could prove crucial in improving the performance of the i20 N Rally1. Motorsport highlights that Sordo and Carrera recently won the Portuguese championship, bringing fresh motivation to the team.

Team boss Cyril Abiteboul expressed optimism about the upcoming season. Filled with many new ideas and looking at the lessons of the previous season, Hyundai wants to target all three world titles. The team relies on its experienced drivers to create a positive team dynamic and to be able to meet the challenges in the new season.

Design and tradition

Paying tribute to Hyundai's motorsport heritage, the new design combines the signature colors "Performance Blue" and "Active Red" while showcasing elements of the Nürburgring and the research and design center in Namyang. Motorsport Hyundai reveals that special liveries will be featured at select WRC events. This creative approach underlines Hyundai's commitment to innovation and its connection to their rally heritage.

In summary, Hyundai is well positioned with a fresh look, a powerful driver team and an unmistakable desire to overcome the challenges of the 2026 WRC season. Fans can look forward to an exciting and exciting season!