Loix to lead Hyundai charge in 2002

Loix looked to be without a drive after Mitsubishi signed Alister McRae and Francois Delecour for 2002. However, the Belgian will compete on all 14 rounds of next year's world championship for Hyundai in the much-improved Accent WRC.

"I'm very happy to be joining a team that is still so young and is eager to see success, which I am sure is not so far away," said Loix. "It gives me a good feeling to have a new challenge; I am looking forward to a lot development work and while the car has proved it is reliable, I expect to be able to help improve its speed."

Kankunnen, meanwhile, drove for the Korean marque on his home rally in Finland this year, which was his only WRC round, but he will step up his programme to nine gravel events for 2002.

"I'm very much looking forward to joining the team," said Kankkunen. "It was great to get a taste of being back in the World Rally Championship for Finland, and now I'm pleased to be returning to a level that I want to be on a more permanent basis. Now I hope I can play an important role in strengthening the team in whatever way possible."

With Kankkunen competing in a part programme for next year, it leaves one Accent WRC empty for the asphalt rallies. Italian Piero Liatti competed on hard surface events for the team this year and would be a likely choice for 2002.

However, Hyundai is known to be keen to increase its presence in the Spanish market and with Spaniard Jesus Puras not having been retained by Citroen for next year, this year's Corsica Rally winner could also be a possibility. Frenchman Didier Auriol has yet to sign a deal for 2002 and is also known to be talking to the MSD-run team.