Hyundai is struggling with its new car, Ott Tänak is fighting for the title: The Estonian is now relying on the model that gives him more confidence
Ott Tänak will be using an older model of the Hyundai i20 Rally1 at this week’s Central European Rally. The 2019 World Rally Champion considers this version to be more suitable. The decision was made after a comparison test between the 2025 car and last year’s model, which is being used without a hybrid unit this season. The test took place after last month’s Rally Chile.
Hyundai is struggling to fully exploit the potential of the heavily revised 2025 car this season. The new specification caused a number of problems, particularly during its first asphalt outing in the Canary Islands in April.
Tänak has now stated ahead of the three-country rally in Germany, Austria, and Czechia that he feels much more comfortable in the 2024 car. This specification was already used at the season opener in Monte Carlo.
Neuville and Fourmaux with new damper struts
Tänak enjoys unusually much leeway in terms of setup ahead of the next race. Hyundai has decided not to nominate the Estonian as a points-scoring driver for the manufacturers’ championship in the remaining rallies. This allows Tänak to take advantage of the sporting regulations and install a new engine after his quota was exhausted in Chile—without risking a five-minute time penalty.
With Tänak trailing Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier by 43 points, he remains Hyundai’s only hope in the fight for the drivers’ title, and the team has stated that the focus will clearly be on him in the coming week. His teammates Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, on the other hand, will be using the fully evolved version of the 2025 Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Both drivers will compete with new damper struts.
“We are fully focused on the title fight and are battling for every point. To provide Ott and Martin [Järveoja, co-driver] with the best possible support, we are utilizing the leeway within the regulations,” explains Hyundai team boss Cyril Abiteboul.
Development of the 2025 car continues
“As they are no longer nominated for manufacturer points, we were able to use a new engine without incurring a time penalty. Ott and Martin are returning to the Monte specification of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 for this event after feeling more comfortable in the car during testing.”
“At the same time, we are continuing to push forward with the development of the 2025 Evo car. Thierry and Adrien will receive damper updates for the coming weekend. Their focus is on further developing these technical innovations for Rally Japan and the future.”
Looking ahead to the upcoming event, Tänak said: “We have driven Rally Central Europe several times now, so we know what to expect. This rally is very dependent on the weather. There are many cuts, and the roads quickly become very dirty.”
“The further back you are in the starting order, the more surprises await you—every car carries extra dirt onto the track. Driving style also plays a big role, as grip levels change significantly, especially in the rain. Experience is crucial here. We are still in the title race, so a top performance is absolutely crucial.”
