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Korean manufacturer Hyundai has confirmed it will not develop a new car under the 2027 World Rally Championship regulations. Instead, the Hyundai team will focus on evolving its existing i20 N Rally2 model, rather than homologating a new package to Rally2 Kit specifications.
This decision leaves Hyundai's future in the WRC unconfirmed, a sentiment echoed by the team's star driver, the world champion for 2024, Thierry Neuville. When questioned about his plans for 2027, the Belgian admitted he has no clear idea what the future holds.
"I could do a full season or a limited program. At the moment, I have no idea. Nobody knows what our plan will be for next year," Neuville told DirtFish.
According to Neuville, several key decisions are still pending.
"There have been announcements, but we've been waiting for them for a long time. We are still awaiting direction from the World Rally Championship promoter. I know Hyundai management is working closely with all stakeholders regarding the future, but no decision has been made yet."
"One thing is certain: we will not have a Rally1 category car. After that, everything is pretty much completely open – including for me," Neuville clarified.
Neuville is the fifth most experienced driver in World Rally Championship history with 190 starts, matching 2003 World Champion Petter Solberg.
The Belgian remains one of the championship's leading drivers, but he is unsure whether competing with Rally2 class cars would motivate him in 2027.
"It will depend on the opportunities I have. I hope that once the World Rally Championship promoter's plans become clear, we will also have a much better understanding of the overall strategy."
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