After a tumultuous Safari Rally in Kenya, Hyundai Motorsport is set to make a strong comeback at the Croatia Rally, scheduled for April 18-21. This event marks the fourth round of the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship.
The Croatia Rally presents a unique set of challenges, with its ever-changing tarmac conditions that include crests, jumps, and blind corners. These features, unusual for tarmac rallies, demand precision from the drivers, especially with road conditions that can rapidly shift from slippery to broken. The weather has also been a critical factor in past events, where heavy rains have significantly impacted the race, adding an element of unpredictability.
Representing Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team are three skilled crews: Thierry Neuville with Martijn Wydaeghe, Ott Tänak with Martin Järveoja, and the Norwegian duo Andreas Mikkelsen and Torstein Eriksen. Both the Belgian and Estonian teams have previously achieved podium finishes in Croatia, a testament to their prowess on these challenging roads.
A key objective for Neuville and Wydaeghe is to extend their lead in the drivers’ and co-drivers’ championships. Despite a fifth-place finish in Kenya, they managed to score the second-highest points thanks to the newly introduced Super Sunday points system and Power Stage bonuses, increasing their lead to six points.
This year’s Croatia Rally is particularly poignant as it coincides with the first anniversary of the tragic loss of Hyundai Motorsport driver Craig Breen, who died during testing for the 2023 event. The team will pay tribute to Breen by featuring an Irish flag on the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid’s roof and bumper and will host an auction benefiting the Craig Breen Foundation.
Hyundai Motorsport’s president, Cyril Abiteboul, expressed the emotional significance of the event and the team’s resolve to honor their late colleague through performance and charitable actions.
The drivers shared their insights on the challenges and their fondness for the rally. Neuville likened the tricky Croatian roads to those in Belgium, especially during rain, which he finds familiar and challenging. Tänak highlighted the unique elements of the tarmac stages and the importance of car balance to maximize grip. Mikkelsen is optimistic about leveraging his extensive rally experience for a strong finish, despite the potential challenges posed by weather and road conditions.
The Croatia Rally will begin with a ceremonial start at Zagreb’s National and University Library, followed by several days of intense racing, culminating in the Power Stage at Zagorska Sela – Kumrovec. As the event unfolds, the Hyundai team aims not only for victory but also to honor a cherished member of their racing family.
