Hyundai WRC team director Andrew Wheatley says veteran driver Dani Sordo has brought "different ideas" and fresh energy to the team as it fights to close the performance gap with Toyota. The i20 N Rally1 has struggled with a narrow operating window, limiting consistent speed across varied stages.
In rallying, where the difference between victory and defeat can be measured in fractions of a second, teams seek every possible advantage. Hyundai, struggling to extract consistent speed from its i20 N Rally1, has found a glimmer of hope in veteran driver Dani Sordo.
What makes Dani Sordo different from other drivers?
According to team director Andrew Wheatley, Sordo brings not only his extensive racing experience but also entirely new ideas. These ideas, which Wheatley described as a “fresh breath,” could be the key to solving the performance issues the team has faced.
Why is Hyundai struggling against Toyota?
The root of the problem lies in the i20 N Rally1’s narrow operating window, which makes it difficult for drivers to achieve consistent speed across different types of stages. While Toyota has managed to deliver consistent performance, Hyundai has been struggling to find the perfect balance.
How can Sordo’s ideas change the team’s trajectory?
With the 2025 season approaching, the team hopes that Sordo’s input will help improve the car’s performance, especially in stages requiring rapid adaptation. The modifications are expected to focus on widening the operating window and making the car more predictable under varying conditions.
Is this the step Hyundai needs to return to competition?
Competing with Toyota requires more than just new ideas; Hyundai needs to translate these ideas into tangible results on the stages. However, with Sordo’s experience spanning over two decades, this could be the decisive factor they have been missing.
When will we see the results of these changes?
The changes are expected to begin showing during the early rounds of the 2025 WRC season, as the team works to integrate Sordo’s ideas into race strategies. It will be a real test of the team’s ability to adapt and improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dani Sordo in the WRC?
Dani Sordo is a veteran Spanish rally driver who has competed in the World Rally Championship since 2003, achieving several wins with teams like Citroën and Hyundai.
What is the main problem Hyundai faces in the WRC?
Hyundai struggles with a narrow operating window in its i20 N Rally1, making it difficult to achieve consistent speed across different stage types, an advantage Toyota has exploited.
How can Sordo's ideas help Hyundai?
Sordo brings long experience and fresh ideas that may help improve car performance, especially in setup adjustments for varying race conditions, potentially closing the gap with Toyota.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — How Dani Sordo brings "different ideas" to Hyundai’s WRC Toyota chase
