The team principal of Hyundai Motorsport, Cyril Abiteboul, says that it will be a challenge for him to manage two very competitive drivers next year, but for now he does not want to think about it.
Hyundai Motorsport announced today that Ott Tanak will join forces with Thierry Neuville from 2024 to help the Alzenau-based team to clinch its third manufacturer title in World Rally Championship. Both of them were teammates from 2020 to 2022, but it seemed that their collaboration did not go well last year considering the fact that Neuville doubted about Tanak's problems in Belgium and Hyundai favored the Belgian in Greece a year ago. More specifically, The Korean squad claimed its first 1-2-3 finish at Acropolis Rally last season, but Julien Moncet gave team orders to Neuville and Tanak to keep their positions which had as a result for the Estonian to lose valuable points for the championship as he was the closest rival to Kalle Rovanpera. So far, only Hyundai has named its drivers ahead of 2024, but it is still unknown who will drive the third i20N or if they will bring a fourth car.
"I think it is a bit too early to talk about the target for next year", Abiteboul said.
"I think in motorsport the target is relative to what is happening on the other side and what the competition is looking like.
"I believe we are the first to announce our plans for next year at least for two cars and we will take a bit of time to work on the third car and possibly fourth car.
"But before saying what we want to achieve next year I want to see what the competition is looking like, but for sure the priority will have to be a bit different when you have two rally winners two champion contenders in your stable.
"Yeah, for sure it will be a challenge to manage the two drivers but I feel like the organisation is up for it.
"But I don't think they would have been ready for it this year.
"But after this year of learning, I'm pretty sure we can all manage with good execution.
"But as soon as we have a clear understanding of the competitive environment and we will establish a clear objective for the team and drivers as well as a clear code of conduct for next year".
Source: Motorsport.com
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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