Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC ready for rally debut at Rallye Monte Carlo

Hyundai Motorsport’s i20 Coupe WRC is ready to begin the 2017 season at the Rallye Monte-Carlo later this week.

The new car has been built to meet revised technical regulations introduced for this year’s competition.

Launched at a static media event in Monza last month, Hyundai Motorsport’s new car had already amassed over 6,000km in development tests. With regulation modifications aimed at enhancing the overall spectacle of the WRC even further, the 2017-specification cars look more aggressive than their predecessors. Changes have focussed on improving aerodynamic and mechanical grip, increasing engine power up to 280kW, reducing car weight, as well as the re-introduction of the active centre differential.

Hyundai Motorsport will field a three-car line-up in all rounds of the WRC this season, starting at Monte-Carlo, running under the unified Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team name. Hayden Paddon/John Kennard, Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul and Dani Sordo/Marc Martí will compete in cars 4, 5 and 6 respectively. The two highest-placed crews from each team will score points for the Manufacturers’ Championship in each event.

Following its most competitive WRC season to date in 2016, including two victories, Hyundai Motorsport is hoping to demonstrate its ability to fight for the WRC title in 2017. It promises to be an enthralling battle with Citroën, Ford and Toyota also looking to make their own mark on the Championship.