A dominant Rally Australia weekend has brought the 2017 season to a positive conclusion for Hyundai Motorsport. With four victories, the team has doubled its win count year-on-year with 91 stage wins representing a notable increase from the 47 it scored throughout 2016.
In one of the most exciting and closely fought seasons in the WRC, the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC performed at a competitive level in most events. It took victories on gravel and tarmac, on three different continents. And it showed versatility across the WRC’s incredibly wide range of rally conditions. The car helped Hyundai Motorsport to underscore its credentials against tough opposition.
Double podium at @RallyAustralia! What a way to finish the season! ? pic.twitter.com/8oHX1LsBew
— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) November 19, 2017
“That was exactly what we wanted to achieve! Our first-ever victory in Australia and a double podium is the perfect way to end the season”, Team Principal Michel Nandan said
“Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul had an outstanding weekend and demonstrated why they have been the most victorious crew of the season. It was also a strong final day for Hayden Paddon and Seb Marshall. The had an unexpected promotion to the podium after Jari-Matti Latvala’s issue in the Power Stage.”
“We have taken our highest number of stage wins in a single event, which shows the high level of performance of our Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC on this tricky gravel surface.”
“All in all, we have plenty of positives to take away from this year. It has been one of the most closely contested seasons in WRC. Thanks to our rivals for some exciting battles throughout the season, and a fantastic year of competition. My thanks also to every member of the Hyundai Motorsport team in Alzenau for their individual contributions to our season. Here’s to even more success together in 2018.”
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Massive thanks to my co-driver @nicolasgilsoul and the whole @HMSGOfficial team for the hard work done again this season. I’m really proud to be part of this amazing family. ????#DreamTeam #TeamWork #TeamVictory #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/lfN0MZPxF2— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) November 19, 2017
Hyundai established the team in 2012 and in 2013 worked both on its base and car
12 months later – at the beginning of 2014 – it was at the start of the Monte Carlo Rally. The first podium came in the third round (in Mexico), while Neuville took the first victory in Germany. It was a double success thanks to Dani Sordo’s second place.
In 2015 Hyundai had 3 cars at most of the events, developing in parallel the new i20 WRC. 2016 turned out to be the most competitive season for the team until then – with two victories and 12 podiums. In 2017 the wins were already 4.
