Hyundai Motorsport announced today that Esapekka Lappi will continue driving for the team in 2024, but he will have a part-time programme.
The Finn driver left Toyota at the end of 2022 and joined Hyundai Motorsport for 2023 as the Koreans offered him a full-season contract. The Finn driver started in a positive way the first half of this season as he finished three times in a row at the top three and got another podium in Sardinia. He was able to fight for the lead in some occasions, such as at Rally Mexico and Rally Italia Sardegna, but he had three DNFs on the second half of 2023 and only one finish at the second place overall in Estonia which were not representative from what he achieved earlier this year. Finally, it must be mentioned that only Hyundai has confirmed its driver line-up ahead of the new season as Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak will drive for the team in all events while it remains unknown who will share the third car with EP in 2024. Dani Sordo's future will be decided at the end of Rally Japan as the Spaniard does not know yet if he will retire or not from WRC whereas it was rumored that Teemu Suninen has already signed a seven-rally contract with the Koreans for 2024.
"I am very happy and grateful to continue my partnership with Hyundai Motorsport into the 2024 WRC season", Lappi said.
"I feel very comfortable in the team; we have built a fantastic connection over this past year and we have demonstrated we have the package to be successful.
"I still have the will to develop and succeed in rallying moving forward, and I would like to win with this team.
"Next year will certainly be different and interesting in many ways, which will motivate me to be a team player, as well as seek personal success, in a bid for a stronger season in 2024".
Finally, Cyril Abiteboul stated: "We are pleased to announce the next piece of the 2024 puzzle with Esapekka and Janne remaining with our team for the season ahead.
"Their role will be to support Thierry and Ott in the championship, as well as to focus on developing the car – something Esapekka has demonstrated he is particularly good at this year.
"We believe this is a formidable force that can help us achieve our goals and bring home more wins.
"We are still finalising the full picture for the season ahead, and will announce our plans in due course, but for now we are delighted to have such a strong line-up at the helm of our WRC challengers".
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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