Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul is holding decisive talks in Seoul to determine the manufacturer’s World Rally Championship programme ahead of the 2027 regulations overhaul.
The Korean marque has declined to build a dedicated WRC27 top-tier vehicle, leaving executives to choose between opting for a customer-based Rally2 operation or withdrawing from the series altogether.
Threat Of Toyota Isolation
If Hyundai departs the premier class, Toyota will be isolated as the sole factory constructor committed to the incoming regulations. This escalating hesitation exposes the structural fragility of the FIA’s future rules, mirroring recent reactive governance over tyre allocations.
Retaining major manufacturers now stands as an immense challenge and the ultimate test for new promoter chief Eric Boullier. The ongoing indecision is also destabilising the driver market, creating severe uncertainty for current competitors like Adrien Fourmaux.
Next Generation Car Development
Despite the premier-class doubts, the manufacturer will homologate a heavily revised i20 N Rally2 before the end of the year.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley confirmed the manufacturer’s alternative trajectory. “I don’t think that’s new, that’s been going on for at least the last six months. We are pushing ahead with the development of the Rally2 car. That’s looking really positive and will be out and testing in the very near future.”
Wheatley outlined the internal timeline to DirtFish, noting that an upgraded chassis will be certified soon. “There’s a priority internally to take advantage of the opportunity that’s coming for the closing of the homologation window. And there is another evolution of the car coming for next year, which will be homologated on December 31 this year.”
The final decision from Seoul will dictate the entire competitive structure of the 2027 world championship.
