Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed that it will be running a fourth Hyundai i20 WRC for four FIA World Rally Championship events – Rally Poland, Rallye Deutschland, Rallye de France – Tour de Corse and Wales Rally GB to be driven by Kevin Abbring.
Abbring will be partnered by his British co-driver Sebastian Marshall in the #10 Hyundai i20 WRC under the Hyundai Mobis World Rally Team banner as the team looks to grow future talent.
Rally Sweden saw Abbring step in for Hayden Paddon who was standing in for an injured Dani Sordo in the teams #8 car at Rally Sweden, the young Dutchman had a promising debut as he finished eleventh overall, picking up a manufacturer point for the Hyundai Motorsport N entry.
“We are pleased to confirm Kevin’s participation in four WRC events – Poland, Germany, France and GB – in the remaining part of this season.” said Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal, Michel Nandan.
“Along with Sebastian, he did a good job in Sweden stepping into the car, with a very professional approach and enthusiastic attitude. Up to now, the New Generation i20 test schedule has not permitted him to take part in any WRC events, and the second half of the season is easier to mix his test and rally schedule.
These four events will offer Kevin the chance to gain more experience as a WRC driver and to further enhance our aims at nurturing young driving talent in the WRC. We want to give Kevin the chance to compete at the highest level and to grow his skills against the most competitive drivers in WRC.”
Kevin Abbring added: “I am excited to be returning to WRC and happy to be part of the Hyundai Motorsport’s line-up at four events starting with Poland. From a driver’s point of view, testing is nice to get a rhythm and a feeling for the potential of a car, but there is no substitution for competitive rallying.
“It feels like a long time since Sweden and I’m looking forward to being back. The experiences of Rally Sweden were useful to get an idea for how the team works during a rally weekend but I’ve been working with the team for a long time now, so it really feels like family.
“Poland is one of the events where I have some of the best memories, having won there in JWRC in 2009. There is a big passion for motorsport there and an incredible atmosphere, so I am glad to kick off my next four WRC events with Rally Poland.”
