Thierry Neuville says that the discussions between him and Hyundai will start very soon and the extension of his contract depends on which is his team's plan for 2026 in terms of development.
The Belgian has been a Hyundai driver since the Korean car brand joined World Rally Championship back in 2014 and since then have driven three different types of i20 starting with i20 WRC and continuing with i20 Coupe WRC and i20N Rally1. His contract with the Alzenau-based team is set to expire at the end of this year, but his future remains unknown in WRC as he is thinking of the retirement. In addition to that, Hyundai has already developed an LMDh prototype car in Germany as they are considering of joining the Hypercar Class of World Endurance Championship and of racing at LeMans 24h from the beginning of 2026. 2026 will be the last year in WRC where the Rally1 regulations will be in effect, but the most important thing is that Hyundai has not signed a long-term agreement with WRC Promoter which means that its factory team may exit the sport in two years. Cyril Abiteboul's team was very unwilling to build a new i20 for 2025 as FIA had not decided earlier this year if the championship would continue with the current Rally1 regulations in 2025 or there would be new regulations. However, M-Sport Ford and Toyota gave the green light to Hyundai to use additional jokers to develop further its car for the rest of the season.
"I have no confirmation about anything yet, but I knew that the decision from the World Motor Sport Council and the application of the current jokers and future jokers were very important, and I know that has been all worked out in a good way", Neuville said.
"I believe that it is going well but I have no confirmation, so let’s see.
"If I get confirmation it, contract talks will start very soon".
Source: Motorsport.com
Photo Credits: Hyundai
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