Hyundai continues mysterious Rally2 testing in Finland with Meeke ahead of the 2027 WRC season

Hyundai Motorsport has continued its testing programme in Central Finland, with Kris Meeke spotted behind the wheel of the manufacturer’s i20 N Rally2. 

Meeke began testing in the Kuhmoinen area on Monday before the programme moved to Jämsä, where running continued on Tuesday. The 47-year-old brings extensive experience with Hyundai machinery, having won the Portuguese Rally Championship two years ago with the Korean manufacturer. He later switched to Toyota and finished runner-up in the same series, while this season he also claimed victory on the Welsh round of the European Rally Championship. Meeke is scheduled to contest the ERC season finale in Portugal alongside co-driver Stuart Loudon later this week. 

The main focus, however, is the possible connection between Hyundai’s testing and the WRC’s upcoming 2027 regulations. The new rules will allow Rally2-based cars equipped with an approved WRC Kit to compete in the top category alongside purpose-built Rally1 machinery. Although rumours have linked Hyundai’s test programme to the development of such an upgrade package, the manufacturer has previously stated that it does not intend to homologate one for its i20 N Rally2. Furthermore, the car tested in Finland showed no significant visible changes from the standard Rally2 specification, apart from a previously observed wider roof scoop and covered sections on the front bumper. 

Testing has taken place in challenging autumn conditions, with frost covering the ground during the morning sessions in the Jämsä area. Meeke described the roads as slippery, although grip improved as temperatures rose. Hyundai is expected to continue its programme in Finland, with another experienced driver potentially taking over on Wednesday as Meeke prepares to travel to Portugal for the ERC season finale. The identity of the possible replacement has not been confirmed. 

For now, the purpose of Hyundai’s latest test remains unclear. Whether the programme is focused on further development of the i20 N Rally2 or other technical objectives, the timing has inevitably attracted attention as the WRC approaches a major regulatory transition. Until Hyundai provides further clarification, any suggestion that the test signals a change in its position regarding a WRC Kit remains speculation.

Photo Credits: Ilkka Lamminsivu