Fresh off a remarkable 1-2-3 finish at the Acropolis Rally in Greece, Hyundai Motorsport is shifting its focus to Rally Chile, the 11th round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). This Latin American event marks the final gravel challenge of the season, as the team seeks to further extend its lead in the standings.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team arrives in Chile with momentum but remains cautious. Despite their commanding position, with three rounds left in the season, they know that complacency can easily lead to missed opportunities. Rally Chile’s fast, loose gravel stages are notorious for quickly deteriorating into abrasive surfaces, demanding a precise car setup and unwavering concentration from drivers.
The 306.76 km course presents unique challenges: the treacherous terrain, combined with the unpredictable springtime weather, means even the smallest mistake could result in a costly retirement. While the conditions in Chile are unforgiving, Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 Hybrid has proven its reliability on gravel this season, giving the team confidence as they prepare for the weekend’s battle.
Hyundai’s Contenders Set Sights on Chile
After a stellar performance in Greece, all three Hyundai Motorsport crews are determined to maintain the momentum. Thierry Neuville, the team’s leading driver, heads into Chile looking to cement his position at the top of the championship standings. “The last three rounds are about managing the gap, and Chile is a crucial event for that,” Neuville explains. “We need to come away with good points before we head to the tarmac rounds, where we know we can perform well.”
Neuville’s teammate, Ott Tänak, is chasing his third consecutive victory in Chile, having claimed wins in both previous editions of the event, in 2019 and 2023. Reflecting on the upcoming rally, Tänak noted the complexity of Chile’s stages, comparing them to Finland’s combination of fast and slow sections. “This event is all about performance,” Tänak said. “Experience helps, but it’s a driver’s rally – we’ll have to focus on getting the most out of the car.”
Esapekka Lappi returns to Rally Chile in the third Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, making his first appearance since Rally Finland. With solid preparation and recent testing in Finland, Lappi feels confident: “The surface is quite unique, with loose gravel that becomes more abrasive as the road cleans up. A good setup and perfect pace notes are critical to success here.”
Hyundai’s Strategy: Caution Meets Determination
Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul expressed a mixture of optimism and caution ahead of the event. “Greece was a fantastic display of teamwork, but we cannot afford to lose focus now,” Abiteboul said. “The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid has proven its strength on gravel, and we want to finish the season’s final gravel event on a high note. Every point counts, so we’ll assess our position on Saturday evening before deciding how aggressively we need to push on Sunday.”
Hyundai’s strategy is clear: protect their lead in the championship while continuing to push for wins and podium finishes. The stakes are high, and with three events remaining, Rally Chile is a pivotal moment in the WRC calendar.
A Rally of High Stakes and Unpredictable Elements
As the only Latin American round of the season, Rally Chile offers a unique test for the drivers. The mix of fast-flowing and technical stages, combined with abrasive surfaces and potential spring rains, makes it one of the more unpredictable events on the WRC calendar.
Thierry Neuville, aiming to secure his championship lead, highlighted the need for a resilient car setup. “The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid needs to provide excellent traction given our road position, but it must also withstand the bumpy sections where the risk of punctures is high,” Neuville said.
Similarly, Tänak, who has previously triumphed on these roads, is well aware of the event’s physical and mental demands. “It’s challenging for tyre management, but not so much on the car. The drivers need to stay focused throughout, as the mix of fast and slow sections demands versatility,” he noted.
For Lappi, the event offers an opportunity to return to form, aiming to deliver valuable points for the team. His experience, combined with recent testing, has him optimistic: “With a good setup and accurate pace notes, we’re looking forward to a strong result.”
Rally Chile promises a thrilling spectacle as Hyundai Motorsport seeks to extend its lead in the WRC standings. With three top drivers ready to tackle the punishing gravel stages, the team has its sights set on another successful weekend. But with unpredictable weather and challenging road conditions, nothing is guaranteed – and the fight for the championship is far from over.
The rally kicks off with a ceremonial start in Concepción’s Plaza de la Independencia on Thursday, 26 September, and concludes on Sunday, 29 September. The weekend is sure to be a pivotal one, not only for Hyundai Motorsport but for the entire 2024 WRC season.
