Hyundai’s immediate WRC future looks secure
WRC – While there is no official confirmation, it's understood Hyundai will remain in the WRC for 2026 at least
Hyundai’s immediate WRC future looks secure
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While there is no official confirmation, it's understood Hyundai will remain in the WRC for 2026 at least

Photography by Hyundai

Words by David Evans, DirtFish Head of Media

Hyundai’s immediate future in the World Rally Championship looks secure, according to service park sources in Sardinia.

There has been considerable speculation surrounding the Korean firm’s continued participation in the world championship for months, but high-level meetings in the last week appear to have brought clarity for 2026.

Hyundai Motorsport president and team principal Cyril Abiteboul spoke to DirtFish on the subject of the team’s rally program into 2026.

He said: “I have no official statement to make because when we have it, we’ll make it in a formal way. But yeah, as I stand, as boss of the team, I want to be optimistic and I’m certainly working extremely hard, not just myself, but with a number of people around me in that direction [to remain].

“We need to continue building the case for WRC on a yearly basis, like we always do. You know that automotive industry is a tough environment out there. There are a lot of factors impacting what the car makers can and cannot afford to do, but I’m positive we’ll find a compelling reason to stay committed to the sport next year.

“There is a bit more homework to be done so we are in a position to make that confirmation loud and clear for everyone out there.”

Will they stay or will they go? Stay appears to be the answer, for next year certainly

One series insider told DirtFish: “We’re pretty sure Hyundai will be here now. We understand some decisions have been made [in Korea] and the outcome is good for next year. For 2027, we see, but we can cross the finger that this looks positive also.”

Reigning world champion Thierry Neuville was cautiously optimistic, stating: “The tendency seems to be more positive than what it has been three months back, but there’s still no confirmation.”

One thing Abiteboul could confirm was talk of a semi-works outfit operating a 2026 Hyundai WRC effort is wide of the mark.

He said: “If we are here it’s because we want to do it and we want to do the job properly, which means we want to do a manufacturer-level type of program with everything, the car under control – three cars minimum – at the right level of operation. And the staff also that have been very loyal to us, we also want to be extremely loyal to the staff that we have.”

Words:David Evans

Tags: Cyril Abiteboul, Hyundai, Rally Italy Sardinia, Rally Italy Sardinia 2025, WRC, WRC 2025, WRC 2026

Publish Date June 5, 2025 DirtFish DirtFish Logo https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/06/2025ITALY_VT_058-780x1170.jpg June 5, 2025

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