Neuville Seeks Hyundai Return in 2025 as WRC Prepares for New Era

Thierry Neuville remains optimistic about securing World Rally Championship opportunities with Hyundai for the upcoming season, though he is looking to scale back his competitive commitments.

As the 2024 world champion, Neuville believes next year presents the perfect opportunity to reduce his WRC efforts as the championship transitions to new technical regulations. This timing aligns with ongoing uncertainty regarding Hyundai’s long-term commitment to the WRC, as the manufacturer has yet to finalize its future in the sport.

Neuville has been a constant presence in the WRC over the past 15 seasons, spending 13 of those years with the Hyundai factory team since joining them upon the brand’s return to the championship in 2014.

While Hyundai has opted against developing an entirely new car for the 2027 regulations, the brand is investing in a revised version of its Rally2 car that could potentially compete in the top tier next year. The decision on whether Hyundai will invest in the FIA’s Rally2 update kit to run in the new Rally1 category is pending the final confirmation of the sporting regulations.

Concluding a challenging 2026 campaign with a victory in the Power Stage at the Sardinia season finale, Neuville hinted at his future plans, suggesting that opportunities with Hyundai could be on the horizon for next year.

“Winning the Power Stage was the final contribution I could make for the team and for myself, given the highly uncertain future ahead. I simply wanted to give it everything in that last stage,” Neuville told Motorsport.com.

“I am relieved to see the end of what has been a challenging two-year period. However, for now, I don’t want to look too far ahead. First, I want to spend some time with the team members and celebrate the milestones of my 13 years with Hyundai, and my 15 incredible years in the WRC. After that, we will see what the future holds.”

“I am fairly confident that taking a step back next year is what I desire. At this moment, Hyundai is likely the team that can offer me those opportunities. My priority is to remain with Hyundai because, in the long term, I believe this brand and group offer me the most potential for my future.”

What are Hyundai’s options for 2027? 

Thierry Neuville, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Hyundai

According to Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul, the brand is currently evaluating three potential paths, which will be finalized once the sporting regulations are ratified by the World Motor Sport Council on October 15. 

“Part of our strategy has been to invest heavily in developing the Rally2 cars, as we view the Rally2 platform as a crossroads with numerous potential opportunities,” Abiteboul explained to Motorsport.com. 

“Are we looking to fully pivot to customer racing with the Rally2? Should we remain a public manufacturer team? Or would we prefer a more intermediate approach, supporting a customer team? Regardless of the path chosen, the fundamental requirement is a competitive car, which is our primary focus at the moment.”

“We understood that it would take time for the new promoter and the FIA to establish the rules for next year. I hope that our investment in the rally car demonstrates our commitment to the future.”

“Are we finished with our Rally1 journey? Yes, we are. Is the world changing? The world is constantly changing. How must we adapt our operations? What is the final decision regarding the update kit, which presents an opportunity to support the Rally2 car? Let us wait and see.”

“We will likely have answers to these questions within the next couple of weeks. While some of the opportunities I have mapped out will undoubtedly provide options for Thierry, we must first determine the best direction for the brand before figuring out how Neuville can fit into that vision.”

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