Hyundai has revealed its new-look i20 N Rally1 that it hopes will shut the hole to rivals Toyota within the 2026 World Rally Championship.
The Korean model will sport a brand new livery on its automobile for the 2026 season that might be pushed by 2024 champion Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, whereas the third automobile might be shared throughout Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi and Hayden Paddon, who rejoins the crew after an eight-year hiatus.
The brand new livery represents a change with the design paying tribute to Hyundai’s racing heritage all over the world. The enduring Efficiency Blue and Lively Purple return alongside design options honouring Nurburgring, the house of Hyundai N, and Namyang, the situation of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Centre and Design Centre. A collection of particular liveries may also characteristic at chosen WRC occasions throughout the season.
Hyundai endured a dismal 2025 marketing campaign that yielded two victories, whereas Toyota romped to a producers’ and drivers’ title double profitable 12 of the 14 rallies. Hyundai confirmed flashes of pace with its closely upgraded i20 N Rally1 automobile however struggled for constant tempo and reliability. The automobile made strides ahead on quick gravel rallies, however struggled when circumstances turned slippery, significantly on asphalt.
Within the low season Hyundai has been working to deal with the weaknesses with its WRC challenger that has resulted in a variety of gadgets its drivers have been evaluating throughout 16 days of testing since final yr’s remaining spherical in Saudi Arabia.
Forward of subsequent week’s Monte Carlo season opener, Hyundai headed to the south of France final week, the place it confronted wintry circumstances to arrange for the well-known asphalt phases. The crew have been compelled to desert Neuville’s check day final Thursday, which was rescheduled for Sunday. Fourmaux drove on Friday with Paddon logging his first miles within the i20 N Rally1 automobile throughout Saturday’s media day earlier than leaping again behind the wheel this week at Hyundai’s new check base in France.
“We return this season with extra willpower and battle than ever earlier than. Final yr was a problem, however we learnt quite a bit about our weaknesses and what we have to work on to up our sport much more in 2026,” stated Hyundai crew principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“As soon as once more, our goal is to complete the yr with all three championship titles – one thing we all know we’re in a greater place to realize due to the maturity of the Evo automobile. The very centered enhancements we have now delivered to it after a relentless and meticulous testing program, and the enhancement to our management crew, with devoted skilled employees are a press release of the intent of Hyundai in motorsport.
“From a tactical perspective, we’re returning to the setup that was profitable in 2024, by means of a rotational third automobile paired with the stable performances we all know we’ll see from Thierry and Adrien.
“With the return of Hayden, Dani and Esapekka, we aren’t solely welcoming again skillsets and expertise, but in addition a reinvigorated, optimistic crew mindset that we have now seen might be essential in success by means of the onerous occasions that any WRC season will throw at you! The competitors might be robust from Toyota as soon as once more, however I actually consider we have now what it takes to succeed in our targets.”
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