Hyundai Motorsport secured its most competitive finish on the gruelling gravel stages of Rally México, as Dani Sordo picked up his first podium of the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a strong run to second.
The Spaniard, along with co-driver Carlos del Barrio registered three stage wins and was in victory contention for a part of the event. In their second WRC round of 2018, the #6 crew led three Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC cars inside the top-six with Andreas Mikkelsen finishing just off the podium in fourth and Thierry Neuville in sixth.
The combined team result has helped Hyundai Motorsport to extend its lead in the WRC manufacturers’ championship. With points awarded for second and fourth, the team has built up a 12-point advantage after three rounds, its most competitive start to a WRC season.
Segundos en el Rally de México ??. Gracias a todos por el apoyo y a todo el equipo Hyundai Motorsport por su trabajo durante el rally. pic.twitter.com/lLzgF6SGG9
— Dani Sordo (@DaniSordo) March 11, 2018
That was the seventh podium in total for Sordo as a Hyundai Motorsport driver
“I am very happy to score this podium after what has been an enjoyable, competitive but tough weekend”, the Spaniard said.
“We have shown good pace [in that rally] in previous seasons, so I was optimistic that we would be able to fight for the top-three. It wasn’t entirely straightforward; even in the Power Stage, there was a scary moment when we picked up a rear right puncture. With stones in the middle of the road, it was so easy for something to happen so we backed off and took it carefully to the end.”
“A podium result is so important and we made the most of our road position in these really tricky gravel stages. It’s been a good team effort and I am particularly pleased to see us increase our lead in the manufacturers’ championship. Thanks to Carlos and to the whole team for this result.”
“We have witnessed once again just how tough Rally México can be, with lots of drama right up to the Power Stage! Dani and Carlos had a strong weekend. Andreas and Thierry both picked up important points in the Power Stage, concluding a generally positive rally. Like all teams, we’ve had some issues to deal with along the way, but finishing with all three Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC cars inside the top-six in such a demanding event is very encouraging”, Team Principal Michel Nandan added.
