Hyundai‘s new machine for the Rally2 category, the i20 N, already has a World Championship debut date. It will be at the Renties Ypres Rally Belgium, the eighth scoring round of the championship, to be held on August 13, 14 and 15, on asphalt.
The brand has completed an extensive testing program over the past few months. Ott Tänak, Craig Breen, Oliver Solberg and Jari Huttunen are among the drivers who have helped develop the car on tarmac, gravel and snow in countries such as Germany, Italy and Sweden.
At the moment, the Korean brand has not confirmed which drivers will be behind the wheel in this first appearance in the Belgian event, scoring for the World Rally Championship. Despite this, it is considered that the WRC2 contenders, Solberg and Huttunen, are the chosen ones.
The new mount, the successor to the successful i20 R5, will also be at the forefront of a new initiative by Hyundai Motorsport and the governing body of the FIA to train diverse talents in our sport. Specifically, from regional championships in other parts of the world, and for the next three years.
The FIA Rally Champions World Tour will offer the title winners of five series – Africa, Asia-Pacific, CODASUR, Middle East and NACAM – to race an i20 N Rally2 in a WRC round. This will initially benefit the winners of the 2021, 2022 and 2023 champions. These will be rewarded in the 2023 and 2024 World Cup events respectively.
Prize rallies will be confirmed on an individual basis. Of course, they will be relevant tests, so that they can make the most of the opportunity. Hyundai’s director of customer racing, Andrew Johns, says: “The versatility of the Rally2 class as a reference class for nationals and regionals allows us to follow and support the crews as they progress through their careers”.
FIA Rally Director Yves Matton also agrees to support drivers from outside Europe: “It will provide more diversity in the World Championship and generate positive media coverage. It is a very good possibility for them to participate in iconic events. of their continent and open the range of drivers”.
