i20 Rally1 Was Not as Expected. Is Neuville considering a new option?

The Hyundai i20 Rally1, introduced under the new Rally1 regulations for the World Rally Championship (WRC), was expected to be a game-changer. However, the performance of the Hyundai i20 Rally1 has not met expectations, leaving fans and analysts questioning its competitiveness. This has also raised speculation about Thierry Neuville’s future with Hyundai Motorsport. Could the Belgian rally star be looking for a new opportunity?

The High Expectations for Hyundai i20 Rally 1

When Hyundai launched the i20 Rally1 for the 2022 WRC season, the team had ambitious goals. The transition to hybrid technology and the new regulations were supposed to make the car a title contender. However, despite some flashes of brilliance, the car has been inconsistent compared to its rivals, particularly Toyota’s GR Yaris Rally 1.

Neuville, Hyundai’s lead driver, has delivered strong performances in the past, but the limitations of the i20 Rally1’s reliability and performance have cost him crucial points. This has led many to question whether Hyundai can provide him with a car capable of fighting for the WRC title.

Performance Issues and Missed Opportunities

Several problems have plagued the Hyundai i20 Rally1 since its debut:

Reliability Concerns: The car has suffered from technical failures and mechanical issues, which have impacted results.
Inconsistent Performance: While the i20 Rally1 has shown pace on certain terrains, it has struggled to match Toyota’s and M-Sport’s performance on key events.
Handling Issues: Drivers have reported unpredictable handling characteristics, making it difficult to push the car to its limits.

These setbacks have undoubtedly frustrated Thierry Neuville, who has remained loyal to Hyundai since 2014. With rivals enjoying superior machinery, his hopes of winning a WRC title are being challenged.

Is Neuville considering a move?

Rumors are swirling that Thierry Neuville might be evaluating his options. While Hyundai remains competitive, its inconsistency in recent seasons has raised questions about its ability to secure a championship for the Belgian driver.

Possible alternatives include:

A switch to Toyota Gazoo Racing The Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 has proven to be the most dominant car in the current era. With Sébastien Ogier competing part-time, Toyota might be interested in securing a driver of Neuville’s caliber.
Joining M-Sport Ford: While M-Sport Ford has struggled with budget constraints, they have produced a competitive car in the Ford Puma Rally 1. A move here could offer Neuville a fresh challenge with a team known for developing top talent.
Staying with Hyundai: Despite the challenges, Neuville has a strong relationship with Hyundai. The team may still convince him that they can turn things around with improvements to the i20 Rally 1.

What’s Next for Neuville and Hyundai?

Neuville has expressed both frustration and optimism in recent interviews. He remains Hyundai’s best chance at a WRC title, but if the i20 Rally1 doesn’t improve soon, a move could be on the horizon.

Hyundai Motorsport will need to address performance gaps, reliability issues, and overall competitiveness if they hope to retain Neuville and fight for championships. The next few rallies could be crucial in determining whether the Belgian driver remains with Hyundai or explores new opportunities.

Conclusion

The Hyundai i20 Rally1 has not lived up to expectations, leading to speculation about Thierry Neuville’s future. While his loyalty to Hyundai is undeniable, the search for a WRC title might push him to consider other options. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping both his career and Hyundai’s future in the World Rally Championship.

Would you like to see Neuville switch teams, or should he stay and fight with Hyundai? Let us know your thoughts!