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Hyundai has bolstered its ranks for subsequent 12 months with 2019 world champion Tanak becoming a member of the squad from M-Sport for a second spell on the Alzenau operation. The Estonian will reunite with Neuville to make sure the Korean model has two lead drivers able to difficult for the world title.
Abiteboul made his intentions clear at first of the 2023 marketing campaign that Neuville was Hyundai’s primary driver and title contender, which resulted in workforce orders being issued as early as spherical two in Sweden.
Nevertheless, chatting with Motorsport.com forward of subsequent month’s Monte Carlo curtain-raiser, Abiteboul declared that the workforce received’t begin the season with an outlined number-one driver.
The previous Renault System 1 boss additionally revealed that each drivers are conscious that there shall be a degree through the season when the state of affairs shall be reviewed relating to the attainable introduction of workforce orders.
“When the season begins there shall be absolute parity of components, info, alternative and contractual rights and privilege to each drivers, and a transparent mission for automobile quantity three to be right here to assist,” mentioned Abiteboul.
“We’ve recognized, and I received’t go into element, however a milestone through the season the place we’ll evaluate the state of affairs and probably change our inner code of conduct. The drivers are conscious of this.”
At occasions throughout their first spell collectively Neuville and Tanak endured a tense relationship, most notably in 2022. Abiteboul is absolutely conscious of the previous and expects that there shall be stress between the pair subsequent 12 months, however believes having two title contenders will show to be massively helpful for the workforce.
Picture by: Pink Bull Content material Pool
Podium: Winner Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Workforce Hyundai i20 N Rally1, second place Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Workforce Hyundai i20 N Rally1, third place Takamoto Katsuta, Aaron Johnston, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT NG Toyota GR Yaris Rally1
“I wish to suppose that it’s a good downside to have. I might somewhat have two drivers in opposition to one and cope with the implications somewhat than have one driver going in opposition to two [from other teams],” Abiteboul added.
“On many events this 12 months we’ve been one in opposition to many, going in opposition to Kalle [Rovanpera], [Sebastien] Ogier and [Elfyn] Evans, and at occasions it was very troublesome. It was a troublesome job and a troublesome ask on Thierry.
“Sure, it will likely be troublesome in [2024] as we may have some intra-team competitors happening, however I additionally suppose it’s a little bit of a aid for a driver to know that he’s not alone and carrying the burden of the entire workforce on his shoulders.
“On many events this 12 months I felt it merely was virtually an excessive amount of strain on Thierry and we’ve seen that when he has made errors additionally it is as a result of likely there was this enormous strain as a result of he was alone.
“There shall be battle, there shall be stress and I’m doing all the pieces I can do now [to address this]. I’m not ready for Monte Carlo or later within the season to debate our technique. I believe a few of that may be facilitated by coping with it exterior of the motion and strain. Total, I believe we shall be higher geared up subsequent 12 months.”
Hyundai will reveal its 2024 i20 N WRC challenger within the New 12 months forward of the season opener in Monte Carlo from 25-28 January.
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