Hyundai Motorsport confirmed today that Andreas Mikkelsen and Dani Sordo will compete share the third i20N Rally1 car with Esapekka Lappi in 2024 as the team aims to beat Toyota on the championships.
Although Sordo's future remained unknown until the season finale in Japan, the Alzenau-based team extended his contract for one more year as the Spaniard is member of the Hyundai family since 2014 where they rejoined WRC. On the other hand, Mikkelsen will make his comeback to the top level of World Rally Championship since 2020, but he was driving for Hyundai from 2017 to 2019. In fact, 2018 was his first full season with the Koreans who stole him from Citroen Racing in 2017. However, his results were far from perfect five years ago, therefore Andrea Adamo decided to replace him with Sebastien Loeb at Rally de Portugal of 2019 despite the fact that the Norwegian had signed a two-year contract with Hyundai at the end of 2017. In 2024, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak will be the full-time drivers of Hyundai as both of them are the title contenders the recent years while Lappi, Mikkelsen and Sordo will share the third i20N which means that eventually the team will not bring four Rally1 cars next year.
"I am very happy to be staying with Hyundai Motorsport for another season to help the team achieve its objectives for 2024", Sordo said.
"The rallies we will compete in suit how I drive, which gives me confidence that we can score lots of points in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid.
"I have been part of the family in Alzenau for over ten years now and have enjoyed title-winning celebrations in 2019 and 2020, so I will do all I can to help the team get back to the top".
Moreover, Mikkelsen stated: "I am very excited to come back to the top category of rallying with Hyundai Motorsport.
"Since 2019, we have fought hard to return to the top flight of the sport, and I am very glad we are doing it with Hyundai.
"We have a big opportunity in front of us, and we will grab it with both hands and make the most out of it.
"I want to thank Hyundai Motorsport for putting their faith in us; we will give our maximum to help achieve the high targets that will be set for the 2024 season".
Finally, Cyril Abiteboul said: "We are delighted to confirm the final elements of our experienced and talented 2024 WRC crew line-up.
"Dani has contributed a huge amount to the team over the past ten years, both on the stages and in the factory, so we are very happy that he will be continuing with us next season.
"It is also exciting to see Andreas return to our squad, as he brings with him proven success and plenty of experience that will benefit us in both WRC and Rally2.
"Thanks to their slightly different specialities and a huge amount of experience, the combination of Esapekka, Dani and Andreas will give us the opportunity to put the best team forward for every event to fight alongside Thierry and Ott".
Post a Comment