Breakthrough WRC Rally1 victory a "great relief" for Hyundai

The South Korean marque has been beset by challenges that stem from being the last of the three manufacturers to commit to the new hybrid regulations, delaying the development of its new i20 N.

In December last year it’s long-time team principal Andrea Adamo left the company, citing personal reasons, which left Moncet to take control of the team on an interim basis.

Hyundai has been constantly playing catch up with the development of its car, and has been hit by several reliability issues during the first four events of the season.

The scale of the problem was evident at the Monte Carlo season opener when Thierry Neuville suffered damper and hybrid issues, Ott Tanak crashed out, and Oliver Solberg was forced to withdraw after inhaling exhaust fumes that had entered his cockpit.

Since then the team has steadily improved the pace of its car, scoring podiums in Sweden (second), Croatia (second and third) and Portugal (third) but reliability issues have remained.

These problems again emerged in Sardinia this weekend as Neuville and Tanak suffered transmission issues. But the cancellation of Friday’s final two stages limited the damage as the team was able repair the issue on Tanak’s car to keep the 2019 world champion in contention.

After main rival Esapekka Lappi crashed his Toyota out, Tanak was then able to score his first win since February 2021, while team-mate Dani Sordo secured a double podium in third.

“For sure, it is great relief for the whole team,” Moncet told Autosport when reflecting on Hyundai's first WRC win since Spain last October.

Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Fabien Dufour / Hyundai Motorsport

“We have pushed really hard and we know we had a difficult start to the season, since then we have pushed very hard.

“Every time it was difficult, we were close but not close enough. We had a lot of issues in terms of reliability and so on.

“It is really welcome for the team and the drivers it is nice to get some motivation back.

“We know there is a lot of work to do and this is clear. We have to improve on many points, but right now let’s enjoy the moment and on Tuesday when we get back to the factory, let’s push again.

“If you look at the manufacturers' championship we are back in the game as we have scored a lot of points - especially after Toyota had a difficult weekend.

“It is very important [for Hyundai], the target was and still is to win the championship and this is what we are here for, nothing else."

Moncet revealed he was personally proud of the success, given it arrived amid a “tricky” and “complicated” month for the Hyundai operation, although he didn't wish to elaborate on what these were.

“For me, I'm very proud of all that we have achieved,” he added.

Julien Moncet, Deputy Team Director & Powertrain Manager, Hyundai World Rally Team

Photo by: Romain Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport

“We know the the situation inside the company has been a bit tricky and complicated over the last month, and nevertheless we showed as a team that despite all the issues here and there we have never given up.

“Personally I’m very happy and I hope it will not be the first and last and there are many more wins to come.”

Asked if the result could help offer some clarity on his future within the team, as a full-time appointment continues to be sought to replace Adamo, he replied: “That is a good question, I would say yes but we will see.”

Hyundai is 39 points adrift of Toyota in the constructors' championship standings as the season reaches its halfway point at the Safari Rally later this month.