Hyundai is strengthening its WRC team with FIA veteran Andrew Wheatley, who will take on the role of sporting director with immediate effect and set the course for new successes. Share:
Hyundai is strengthening its World Rally Championship team with a true industry expert: former FIA Rally Director Andrew Wheatley is taking on the newly created role of “WRC Sporting Director” with immediate effect.
The Briton brings with him almost three decades of experience in rallying. Before joining the World Automobile Federation, Wheatley worked as a manager at M-Sport and later as WRC category manager. Now he will help Hyundai to further improve its performance and pave the way for new successes.
Wheatley reports directly to Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. Together with Technical Director Francois-Xavier Demaison, Team Manager Pablo Marcos, and Head of WRC Development Jan de Jongh, he will optimize team processes and master complex sporting challenges.
Wheatley’s responsibilities at Hyundai
According to Hyundai, Wheatley will “support the management team, work closely with the technical staff and further advance the team’s sporting performance.” Wheatley will make his first official appearance this weekend at the Central Europe Rally.
“I am thrilled to be joining Hyundai Motorsport,” said Wheatley in an initial reaction. “The team has the potential to win world championships. My job is to support our experienced team in all areas and contribute my knowledge to improve our performance. All the ingredients for success are there, now it’s a matter of making the best use of them.”
Team principal Abiteboul praised the appointment as an important step in the team’s development. “Andrew’s appointment is a significant reinforcement of Hyundai Motorsport’s management structure. As we expand our motorsport involvement, it is crucial to strengthen the management focus in every area.”
Hyundai to pursue two-pronged approach from 2026
Abiteboul is referring to the fact that Hyundai is currently working on entering the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in parallel with its WRC program. The company plans to compete in the Hypercar class with the Genesis from 2026.
This makes Wheatley’s expertise in the WRC team all the more important. “Andrew brings a wealth of experience and passion for rallying, which will further advance our WRC activities and strategic direction,” Abiteboul is certain.
