Hyundai Motorsport have spent the time in between Rally Guanajuato Mexico and Rally Argentina developing their newest version of the i20 WRC.
The team have just completed a four day test in Spanish region of Almeria as they prepare the car for it’s competitive debut on the 2016 FIA World Rally Championship. Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville and test driver Kevin Abbring were at the wheel over the four days as they concentrated on engine and chassis development as well as altitude testing.
The team had hoped to introduce the new i20 later this season but a delay in the homologation process has pushed the car’s debut back to next season.
We had hoped to introduce the new car later this season but unfortunately an issue with the homologation schedule – related to production of the three-door road version – will delay our programme.” said Team Principle Michel Nanden, “We have therefore opted to continue focus on the five-door version of the New Generation i20 WRC which will compete at Rallye Monte-Carlo 2016.
“This revised schedule gives us extra time to ensure the car is where we want it to be performance-wise. At the same time, the current Hyundai i20 WRC will undergo a number of important updates which we hope will keep us in the fight for podiums this season.”
The Hyundai Shell World Rally Team are currently second in the WRC manufactures championship after the first three rounds of the series.
