The deputy team principal of Hyundai Motorsport, Julien Moncter, does not reveal his team's ideas for the line-up of 2023 and is joking around about it while he admits that the target is to secure experienced and reliable drivers.
The Korean team announced earlier this month that Oliver Solberg will not continue with them in 2023 while Ott Tanak confirmed two days ago that he will leave the team at the end of this season after electing to conclude his contract prematurely, therefore there are two available seats for next year and only Thierry Neuville is under contract.
Dani Sordo's future in World Rally Championship is still unknown as he said that he would decide at the end of Rally Spain if he will continue competing at the top level. It is tipped that Andreas Mikkelsen will driver for Hyundai again next year despite his departure from the team at the end of 2017. Kris Meeke and Elfyn Evans were named as possible options by Moncet earlier this month while it is rumored that Craig Breen will not continue with M-Sport Ford and will join Hyundai in 2023 despite the fact that he has signed a two-year deal with the Cumbrian team last year.
"You will not get any more info from me right now", Moncet said.
"You have to wait for Monte Carlo!
"So you can try to guess, but as you say the list is maybe not that long.
"So you can make some bets, but definitely we look for experienced drivers.
"Reliable, that can work well with engineers, with the team as well.
"It’s important as that fits to the brand, so many things that we look at. And of course, he has to be fast.
"But yeah, it’s a short list, and I’m sure you have already some ideas.
"Maybe these are correct, maybe not".
Finally, he answered when he was asked if two was the limit or if Hyundai could even run three drivers for one car: "We can have even 14 drivers!
"No, after you have to see as well, it’s a mix between choosing the best capabilities of every driver for every type of rallies.
"Some rallies are more Tarmac or some are gravel or some they are slightly slower, so we have to see that, but you cannot have too many reserves because you have to get some mileage, testing days are limited and if you just jump into the car you will do nothing.
"So we have to find the right balance as well".
Source: DirtFish.com
Photo Credits: Hyundai
Post a Comment