New Rally2 line-up revealed
We have set ourselves an ambitious goal for this season, with our focus firmly fixed on winning the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship 2 (WRC2) title. Teemu Suninen and Fabrizio Zaldivar will compete in our i20 N Rally2 at seven WRC2 events this year in a bid to claim us the crown.
“Our involvement in WRC2 is still a critical element of our motorsport activities, and we’re looking forward to another exciting season,” said our Deputy Team Principal Julien. “With the talent of Teemu and Fabrizio behind the wheel we believe we can bring home the WRC2 title this year.”
Flying Finn
Teemu previously finished second in the WRC2 class at Rally de España in 2021 with our i20 N Rally2 before deputising for Ott in the i20 Coupe WRC in Rally Monza. As well as boasting considerable experience of WRC, the Finn has claimed 15 podiums and six victories in the WRC2 class. For the 2022 season, Teemu will be once again joined by co-driver Mikko Markkula.
“I am very excited to team up with Hyundai Motorsport again and contend a full WRC2 season with the Hyundai i20 N Rally2,” commented Teemu. “For me, the opportunity to take part in regular testing and play a role in the development of the car was the reason why this was an attractive offer for this year.”
Paraguayan pace
Fabrizio makes the step up after a consistent year in the WRC3 category. The 21-year-old has previous experience of competing in our machinery, having contested the 2021 Paraguayan championship with our i20 R5. Fabrizio will compete in his debut WRC2 season with Carlos del Barrio in the co-driver’s seat.
“Joining a manufacturer and having access to a wealth of support and experience is every driver’s dream,” said Fabrizio. “My goal is to perform consistently in every rally and create a forward momentum that will see me improve throughout the season.”
“Fabrizio is an excellent addition to our line-up, a consistent performer in WRC3 and a rising star in rallying,” added Julien. “We’re also pleased to welcome back Teemu, who impressed us on his debut in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in Spain last year, for a full season with our team.”
In preparation for the start of the campaign, both crews will conduct pre-event tests with our i20 N Rally2 to get up to speed with the new car in its first full competitive season on the world’s stages. Teemu/Mikko and Fabrizio/Carlos will then kick-off their championship quest at Rally de Portugal (May 19-22).
