Teemu and Fabrizio return for 2023 season
As part of our continued commitment to developing up-and-coming rally talents, we will enter the 2023 season of the FIA World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2) with a pair of our i20 N Rally2 cars.
“Nurturing junior talent is an integral part of Hyundai Motorsport,” said Andrea, our Customer Racing Manager. “Our participation in WRC2 has always been an important aspect of our activities and this year is no exception.”
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Teemu and Fabrizio will compete under the Hyundai Motorsport N banner for a second consecutive season, while the cars will be operated by French team 2C Compétition, which boasts previous experience of working with our challengers in the WRC category.
Stability in the crew line-up offers the opportunity for us to demonstrate the full potential of our i20 N Rally2 and mount a serious challenge for titles. After the drivers combined to finish only two points short of the teams’ championship in 2022, it is our hope that Teemu and Fabrizio can build on their experience and knowledge of our car and consistently fight at the front throughout the 2023 season.
“The category will be even more competitive this year, which is why continuity in our line-up will be crucial for the championship fight,” added Andrea. “Teemu and Fabrizio know the car well now, and have the motivation and ability to extract more performance.”
Eyes on the prize
Teemu demonstrated the rally-winning capabilities of our i20 N Rally2 with his victory at Rally de España and secured two additional podium finishes in Estonia and Japan. The Finn will once again be joined by co-driver Mikko.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Hyundai Motorsport for another season in WRC2,” commented Teemu. “I’m confident we can win more rallies and be a serious contender for the title this year.”
Fabrizio’s first season in WRC2 featured a steep learning curve, yet the Paraguayan showed promise and improvement throughout 2022, taking four top-ten finishes and two stage wins. He is seeking to continue his progression alongside Italian co-driver Marcelo in the upcoming season.
“I know the Hyundai i20 Rally2 very well now, which will help put us on the front foot as we start a new season,” said Fabrizio. “I believe this season will be my best to date, and I’m really hoping for some standout results to help the team win the title.”
Our WRC2 entries will begin their season at Rally Sweden next month (February 9-12).
