Hyundai Gears Up for Potential 2027 Rally Return
Hyundai is exploring its options for the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027, including a possible return with an upgraded Rally2 car. This move comes as the manufacturer evaluates its long-term future in the top tier of rallying.
The current rules for Rally1, the highest level of WRC, are set to expire after next season. Hyundai only recently committed to participating in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead to 2027, the WRC is introducing new regulations aimed at making the sport more affordable and appealing to a wider range of manufacturers and teams. These rules include a cost cap of €345,000 for cars, a power output of around 300 horsepower, and the use of a space frame chassis and Rally2 components. The goal is for the performance of these new WRC27 cars to be similar to that of existing Rally2 vehicles.
To ensure a strong field of competitors in 2027, the new WRC27 cars will race alongside Rally2 cars in the top class. This provides flexibility for manufacturers and teams to participate at the highest level.
Hyundai had previously mentioned that it would not be developing a completely new car for 2027. Instead, the company is considering upgrading its existing Rally2 car. Cyril Abiteboul, the president of Hyundai Motorsport, has confirmed that work on this upgrade is already in progress. However, he has not yet confirmed that Hyundai will definitely commit to the 2027 season with the upgraded Rally2 car.
Abiteboul stated that Hyundai is taking steps to make its Rally2 car as competitive as possible. He noted that improvements have already been made for racing on paved surfaces, and similar improvements are being developed for gravel surfaces. The aim is to have a competitive Rally2 car that can perform well in various conditions.
A key factor in Hyundai’s decision will be the direction of the sport and the specific regulations for the powertrain (engine and related components). The rules require a production-based powertrain, which differs from the one used in Rally1 cars.
Adding to the intrigue, former Hyundai WRC driver Hayden Paddon is scheduled to compete in the Rallye National Hivernal du Devoluy in France, driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car. This event is known as a warm-up for the Monte Carlo Rally. Paddon will be joined by other notable drivers, including Adrien Fourmaux in a Rally1 car and Oliver Solberg, a new recruit for Toyota’s Rally1 team.
When asked if Paddon’s participation in the rally was related to Hyundai’s Rally2 upgrade program, Abiteboul suggested that it could be for several reasons, including development work. He emphasized Paddon’s loyalty to the Hyundai family and his successful rally program in New Zealand and Australia. Abiteboul indicated that there are various options being explored with Paddon for the upcoming year.
In addition to the 2027 considerations, Hyundai also has a vacant spot in its Rally1 team for 2026, as Ott Tanak has decided to take a break from racing. Hyundai is reportedly considering drivers with experience at the top level, including former Hyundai drivers Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi, as potential candidates for a shared third car in 2026. An announcement regarding the 2026 driver lineup is expected soon.
