As the WRC heads to Sardinia for Round 6, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team eyes a return to the top step in one of its most successful hunting grounds
Alzenau, Germany, May 30, 2025 — With confidence forged from past triumphs and momentum building in the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team heads to Rally Italia Sardegna (June 5–8) determined to convert promise into podiums—and ideally, a long-awaited first win of the season.
The Italian island is more than just a postcard-perfect setting; it’s a proving ground of punishing gravel, scorching heat, and razor-thin margins. Fortunately for Hyundai Motorsport, it’s also a stage that has consistently showcased the team’s grit and technical prowess. With seven victories in Sardinia, including three consecutive wins between 2022 and 2024, Hyundai returns with confidence—and purpose.
Experience Meets Expectation
The trio of Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville, and Adrien Fourmaux will lead the charge in their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 cars. Between them, they hold a combined six wins on Sardinia’s rugged terrain—Tänak victorious in 2022 and 2024, Neuville in 2023 and previously in 2018, where he outpaced five-time world champion Sébastien Ogier in a nail-biting finale.
“Sardegna is another super punishing event,” said Tänak. “Roads may appear smooth at first but quickly evolve, with rocks and ruts making it tough on both car and tyres. It’s always challenging to find the right setup, but we’ve done it before, and we’re aiming to be on the pace from the very start.”
Neuville, currently in the thick of the title fight, is also targeting the win. “We’ve always been competitive here. The roads suit us, especially on the second pass, and we learned a lot in Portugal. Consistency will be key—we’ll need to push every stage without mistakes,” he said.
Fourmaux Aims for Breakthrough
For Frenchman Adrien Fourmaux, the focus is on transformation—from pace-setter to podium finisher. After showing early promise in Portugal, Fourmaux heads to Sardinia hunting for his first top-three finish at the event.
“Tyre wear seems manageable, even in the heat, but the narrow, sandy roads leave no margin for error,” he explained. “We need to balance aggression with caution and deliver a clean rally. Every point matters for the team’s championship campaign.”
A Rugged Battle Awaits
Back in Olbia for 2025, the rally itinerary includes a mix of returning favourites and new challenges. Notably, this year’s Power Stage—Porto San Paolo—will debut on the WRC calendar, promising added intrigue on Sunday’s showdown.
Across 16 stages and more than 266 competitive kilometres, the teams will face abrasive surfaces, tight corners, and technical transitions—all under the punishing glare of the Mediterranean sun.
Weekend Highlights:
- Thursday: Olbia Cabu Abbas Shakedown (2.19km) sets the tone.
- Friday: Includes Sa Conchedda (27.95km), one of the longest stages of the rally.
- Saturday: 121.60km across six stages, including fan-favourites like Lerno-Su Filigosu.
- Sunday: Finishes with a new Power Stage that could decide both rally and title fortunes.
Building Momentum, Eyeing Glory
Hyundai’s season has already shown glimmers of brilliance, including a double podium in Kenya and a runner-up finish in Portugal. But as the championship reaches its midway mark, a win is essential—not only for morale, but also for the manufacturers’ title hunt.
“Rally de Portugal was a big step forward,” noted Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “We showed pace from the outset, even if reliability still needs to be tightened. Sardinia offers another shot on rough gravel, and we know what it takes to win here. All three crews will be pushing for a strong team result. The goal is clear: the top step of the podium.”
About Hyundai Motorsport
Founded in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH has fast become a powerhouse in global motorsport. With back-to-back WRC manufacturers’ titles in 2019 and 2020 and its first drivers’ and co-drivers’ championships in 2024, the team continues to redefine what the Hyundai brand represents on the global stage.
From its WRC efforts to its Customer Racing successes in TCR and rally competition, and now as a key player in the Genesis Magma Racing WEC programme, Hyundai Motorsport is at the heart of the brand’s high-performance evolution.
As the WRC returns to one of its most iconic events, all eyes will be on Hyundai’s trio of contenders. With history on their side and hunger in their hearts, Sardinia may yet serve as the launchpad for Hyundai’s 2025 title charge.
