Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team enters the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose. After securing the 2024 Drivers’ Championship title with Thierry Neuville and a strong third-place finish by Ott Tänak, the team is determined to reclaim the manufacturers’ championship they narrowly missed.
With a fresh lineup and strategic focus, Hyundai is ready to take on the challenges of the 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) and reinforce its position as a powerhouse in rallying.
Reflecting on 2024: Triumph and Challenges
The 2024 season was one of mixed emotions for Hyundai. On the one hand, Thierry Neuville delivered a masterful performance, clinching his first drivers’ championship. His consistency and tactical brilliance across rallies in Monte Carlo, Greece, and Japan were pivotal in securing the title.
Ott Tänak also demonstrated his resilience and expertise, finishing third in the championship with 200 points. His determination was evident in his battles against Toyota’s formidable drivers. However, an untimely accident at Rally Japan dashed his hopes of a higher finish.
Despite these individual successes, Hyundai fell short in the manufacturers’ race, with Toyota Gazoo Racing reclaiming the crown. This result has only fueled Hyundai’s resolve to bounce back stronger in 2025.
The 2025 Lineup: A Blend of Experience and New Talent
Hyundai has unveiled a stellar lineup for the 2025 season, balancing seasoned expertise with fresh determination.
- Thierry Neuville: The Champion Leader
Fresh off his 2024 triumph, Neuville is poised to continue his dominance. His focus, precision, and ability to adapt to changing conditions make him Hyundai’s anchor for the upcoming season.
Neuville’s Words: “2024 was a dream come true, but the real challenge is defending the title. I’m ready to push even harder.”
- Ott Tänak: The Resilient Contender
Tänak’s fiery spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence will be critical for Hyundai. With unfinished business from 2024, he is determined to challenge for the drivers’ championship while contributing significantly to Hyundai’s manufacturers’ title bid.
Tänak’s Perspective: “2025 is about redemption. We have the speed, the strategy, and the team to make it happen.”
- Adrien Fourmaux: The New Entrant with Big Ambitions
Hyundai’s bold move to bring Adrien Fourmaux onboard from M-Sport Ford signals their commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Fourmaux has shown glimpses of brilliance, and his addition brings youthful energy and a fresh perspective to the team.
Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul: “Adrien has the talent and determination we value. We are confident he will thrive in Hyundai’s competitive environment.”
Fourmaux’s Aspiration: “Joining Hyundai is an incredible opportunity. I aim to learn from Thierry and Ott while proving my worth in the WRC1 category.”
Hyundai’s Strategy for 2025
The team is laser-focused on reclaiming the manufacturers’ championship while supporting Neuville and Tänak in their drivers’ title ambitions. Key pillars of Hyundai’s 2025 strategy include:
Maximizing Points: Team orders may play a critical role in ensuring consistent podium finishes and minimizing risks.
Leveraging New Talent: Fourmaux’s development will be a priority as Hyundai looks to build a long-term strategy.
Technological Advancements: Continued investment in car performance to counter Toyota’s dominance on technical stages.
The Rivalry Renewed: Hyundai vs. Toyota
Hyundai’s rivalry with Toyota Gazoo Racing is set to intensify in 2025. Toyota’s formidable lineup, featuring Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, and Takamoto Katsuta, promises a fierce battle on every stage.
However, Hyundai’s strength lies in its cohesion and the sheer determination of its drivers. The addition of Fourmaux adds another layer of unpredictability to the competition.
Looking Ahead: A Season of High Stakes
As the 2025 WRC season approaches, Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT is geared up for a season of redemption and ambition. With a championship-winning driver in Neuville, a relentless competitor in Tänak, and a rising star in Fourmaux, the team has all the ingredients for success.
The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the excitement palpable. Will Hyundai reclaim the manufacturers’ crown and defend Neuville’s drivers’ title? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned as the world’s best rally drivers take on the ultimate test of skill, strategy, and endurance in the 2025 WRC season!
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