Hyundai is struggling in the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) against Toyota, but veteran driver Dani Sordo has provided a "breath of fresh air" with innovative ideas to improve the i20 N Rally1's performance, according to team principal Andrew Wheatley.
Hyundai is facing a tough season in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with its i20 N Rally1 suffering from a narrow operating window that makes consistent performance difficult. However, the Korean team has found a glimmer of hope thanks to veteran driver Dani Sordo, whom team principal Andrew Wheatley described as a “breath of fresh air” bringing new ideas to close the gap with Toyota.
What is Hyundai’s main problem in WRC?
Hyundai struggles with inconsistency in speed across different surfaces and conditions. The i20 N Rally1 has a narrow operating window, meaning optimal performance is only achieved within a limited range of setups and conditions, which is hard to maintain in varied rallies.
How has Dani Sordo contributed to improving performance?
Sordo, who serves as a third driver alongside Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, brings a fresh perspective thanks to his extensive experience. According to Wheatley: “Dani has been a breath of fresh air. He asks different questions and provides precise feedback on car behavior, helping engineers identify weaknesses faster.”
Technical contributions
Sordo focused on improving balance and cornering response, known weak points of the i20 N. He also helped develop suspension setups for different surfaces, which has positively impacted the team’s recent rally performances.
What is Hyundai’s position against Toyota in 2024?
Toyota leads the manufacturers’ standings comfortably, thanks to the more consistent GR Yaris Rally1. Hyundai is trying to close the gap through continuous development, but the technical gap remains clear, especially on tarmac where Toyota excels.
When will Hyundai’s struggles end?
The team is working on major updates for next season, using Sordo’s feedback. Wheatley confirmed the team is “learning fast” and that upcoming changes could shift the balance. However, for the current season, Toyota appears on track for the title.
Key facts about the Hyundai-Toyota WRC battle
- Struggling car: Hyundai i20 N Rally1
- Main issue: Narrow operating window leading to inconsistent performance
- Proposed solution: Improved setups based on Sordo’s feedback
- Competitor: Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 (more consistent)
- 2024 manufacturers’ standings: Toyota leads, Hyundai second
FAQ
What is a narrow operating window in rally cars?
It is the limited range of setups and conditions in which the car performs at its peak. If conditions change (e.g., surface or temperature), performance drops significantly.
Can Hyundai win the manufacturers’ title this season?
Very difficult given the large gap to Toyota, but the team is focusing on developing the car for 2025.
What is the role of a third driver in a rally team?
The third driver participates in selected rallies, helping collect data and test new setups without the pressure of championship contention, giving the team development flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a narrow operating window in rally cars?
It is the limited range of setups and conditions in which the car performs at its peak. If conditions change (e.g., surface or temperature), performance drops significantly.
Can Hyundai win the manufacturers' title this season?
Very difficult given the large gap to Toyota, but the team is focusing on developing the car for 2025.
What is the role of a third driver in a rally team?
The third driver participates in selected rallies, helping collect data and test new setups without the pressure of championship contention, giving the team development flexibility.
Sources
- Autosport — The "breath of fresh air" in Hyundai's fight against Toyota in WRC
