Adrien Fourmaux Criticizes the Hyundai i20 Rally1 After First Test. Will the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 be discontinued soon

The world of rally racing has been buzzing with excitement and speculation following Adrien Fourmaux’s recent comments on the Hyundai i20 Rally 1. After taking the car for its first test, the French driver didn’t hold back in his critique of Hyundai’s latest rally vehicle. His unexpected criticism has sparked questions about whether the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 will live up to expectations or face an early discontinuation.

Fourmaux’s Shocking Reaction to the Hyundai i20 Rally

Adrien Fourmaux, a rising star in the World Rally Championship (WRC), has been known for his technical insights and honest feedback. After joining Hyundai Motorsport for the 2025 season, fans expected him to be optimistic about the team’s new car. However, his comments after testing the Hyundai i20 Rally 1 have surprised many.

Fourmaux described the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 as “unpredictable and difficult to handle” in certain conditions. He pointed out that the car’s performance on gravel stages was inconsistent, with the handling becoming a major concern during high-speed sections. This critique has raised eyebrows, especially since Hyundai has invested heavily in developing the i20 Rally1 to compete against rivals like Toyota and M-Sport Ford.

What Are the Key Issues with the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1?

Fourmaux’s feedback highlighted several areas of concern with the Hyundai i20 Rally1, particularly in terms of:

Handling and stability:
According to Fourmaux, the car’s stability on rough terrain is below expectations, making it challenging for drivers to maintain control during fast-paced stages.

Powertrain Performance:
While the hybrid powertrain has been a significant innovation for the Rally1 cars, Fourmaux hinted that the Hyundai i20’s hybrid system might not be delivering the seamless power transitions that are critical for rally success.

Aerodynamics:
The aerodynamic package of the i20 Rally1 has also come under scrutiny. Fourmaux mentioned that the car tends to lose downforce during high-speed corners, causing instability and reducing driver confidence.

These issues could have serious implications for Hyundai’s performance in the 2025 WRC season, where the competition is expected to be fiercer than ever.

Hyundai’s Response to Fourmaux’s Criticism

Following Fourmaux’s remarks, Hyundai Motorsport has not issued an official statement addressing the concerns. However, sources within the team suggest that engineers are already working to address the handling and powertrain issues highlighted during the test.

Hyundai’s reputation in the WRC has grown significantly over the past few years, thanks to drivers like Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak. The team cannot afford a setback, especially with Toyota dominating recent seasons. If the Hyundai i20 Rally1 fails to deliver in 2025, it could jeopardize Hyundai’s ambitions in the championship.

Will the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 be discontinued?

The possibility of the 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 being discontinued has become a hot topic of debate in the rallying community. While it’s too early to predict the car’s fate, several factors will determine whether Hyundai sticks with the current model or makes significant changes:

Driver Feedback:
If more drivers echo Fourmaux’s concerns, Hyundai may be forced to redesign key components of the i20 Rally 1.

Early Season Performance:
The car’s performance in the first few rallies of the 2025 season will be critical. If the i20 Rally1 struggles to keep up with competitors, Hyundai may need to make drastic changes mid-season.

Rival Development:
Hyundai’s rivals, especially Toyota Gazoo Racing, have been making significant advancements in their Rally1 cars. If Hyundai falls too far behind, they risk losing ground in the championship battle.

What Does This Mean for Adrien Fourmaux?

Fourmaux’s honest feedback could impact his relationship with Hyundai Motorsport. While teams value driver insights, public criticism can sometimes lead to tension. However, Fourmaux’s dedication to improving the car is evident, and his feedback could ultimately help Hyundai make the necessary adjustments to stay competitive.

For Fourmaux, the 2025 WRC season will be an opportunity to prove himself as one of the top drivers in the championship. If Hyundai addresses the issues with the i20 Rally1, Fourmaux could be a key contender for rally wins.

Conclusion: Can Hyundai Overcome the Setbacks?

The criticism from Adrien Fourmaux has put Hyundai Motorsport under pressure to deliver a competitive car for the 2025 WRC season. The 2025 Hyundai i20 Rally1 has potential, but it needs significant improvements to compete with the likes of Toyota and M-Sport Ford.

Whether the car will be discontinued or undergo major upgrades remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Hyundai cannot afford to fall behind in the fiercely competitive world of rally racing. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team responds and whether Adrien Fourmaux’s feedback leads to a stronger, more reliable car on the rally stages.