Strong momentum for the team in the final gravel event of the season
Round 11 of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship kicks off next week as Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team visits the only Latin American round of the year (September 26-29). The two permanent crews of Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe and Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja are joined by the 2024 Rally Sweden winners of Esapekka Lappi/Janne Ferm for their first event since Rally Finland.
Two weeks after the team scored a 1-2-3 finish at Acropolis Rally, Hyundai Motorsport is looking to continue this form at Rally Chile. The podium lockout in Greece allowed the team to extend the manufacturers’ and drivers’ championship lead. With Rally Chile being another gravel event immediately after Greece, the crews are confident that they have form on this type of terrain.
“We’re entering this round with optimism, and momentum but also great caution,” said Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid has demonstrated its reliability at other gravel rallies this season, so we want to protect the advantage we have in the championship standings, but we also want to push for wins and podiums.”
Rally Chile is a ruthless challenge for our crews. Loose gravel and fast-flowing stages can make or break a team. Road positioning is important and those that start first on the stage have traditionally had an advantage over those who follow. 306.76km stand before our crews, with the threat of retirement around every turn.
The duo of Esapekka Lappi and Janne Ferm will complete the roster for their first rally since their home round in Finland. Lappi/Ferm are on form in 2024, with a win at Rally Sweden and topping the Super Sunday standings in Finland. Their best finish in Chile is 6th.
“I’m feeling prepared for Chile,” said Lappi, “I’ve done some important seat time and testing since my last rally in Finland. Perfect pace notes are crucial to be fast in Chile and the weather can be an added challenge. I’m excited to be back in the car and bring a lot of points home for the team.”
The Estonian crew of Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja currently sit second in the drivers’ championship after an impressive third-place finish in Acropolis Rally. Rally Chile has only run twice before in WRC history, and Tänak has won them both. He’ll be looking to deliver a hat-trick of wins and further extend the team’s lead in the manufacturers’ championship.
“There is a bit of everything in this event,” said Tänak, “It’s a driver’s rally – it’s all about performance. Experience is good, but this is the first year I’ll be attacking Chile in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. We need to do our maximum and target a win for sure.”
Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe, winners of Acropolis Rally, have one goal in mind: complete a clean weekend and leave Chile with valuable championship points.
“The stages can vary a lot,” said Neuville, “We were able to enjoy the drive and finish on the podium last year. The risk of punctures is high, so road position is important. Our main target is to keep a good lead in the championships.”
Rally Chile begins with a ceremonial start on Thursday, followed by 12 stages across Friday and Saturday and finishing with four stages on Sunday (September 26-29).
