Physical Address
BOX 5, Westhoven, 2142
After a difficult start to a new hybrid chapter, Hyundai Motorsport is on a mission for success this weekend (24 to 27 February) at Rally Sweden, the second round of the 2022 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season.
The return of Rally Sweden will be warmly welcomed by teams and fans alike, having been a regular feature on the calendar since 1973. The event moves to a new region for the 2022 edition, with crews tackling the fast, snowy stages of the Umea region for the first time in the WRC.
Hyundai Motorsport’s crews will be aiming to master the adverse conditions and extract the full performance of the car over the gruelling four-day event. The team’s line-up remains unchanged from Rallye Monte-Carlo, with Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe, Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja and Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson tasked with securing the team’s first podium finish of the season.
As snow was largely absent at the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo, all three crews have completed a test to prepare and acclimatise ahead of the Hyundai i20 N Rally 1’s first competitive outing on the surface.
Following shakedown and the ceremonial start on Thursday 24 February, Rally Sweden kicks off on Friday, with seven stages totalling 125,67 km – the longest day of the event. Saturday’s itinerary is no less demanding, consisting of six stages with a combined competitive distance of around 82 km. Two attempts of two stages on Sunday bring Rally Sweden to a close, with the final run offering crews and manufacturers additional championship points as the event’s Power Stage.
Deputy team director Julien Moncet said: “Since Rallye Monte-Carlo, the entire team has been working hard to make improvements to our package, and we look forward to show a better performance at Rally Sweden. We are still finding our feet with the new hybrid regulations, and our preevent test has helped prepare for the wintry roads of Umea. Our three crews know what it takes to be competitive in the snow, so we are focusing all our energy on bringing home all cars. We will be striving for a competitive rally that culminates in a strong result in Sweden.”
Crew Notes: Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe
Neuville, who was a winner in Sweden in 2018, said: “With the alI-new itinerary it is difficult to know what is waiting for us at Rally Sweden, but it will be interesting. While we don’t have a lot of experience with the Hyundai i20 N Rally7 in these conditions, I think our driving style will be pretty similar to the previous cars we’ve competed with at Rally Sweden.
“Rallying is always a bit more spectacular on snow with the studded tyres. Usually, the stages are quite fast, you have to lean into the snowbanks and drive sideways a bit more. You have to be slightly more brutal to get the studs to grip into the ground.”
Crew Notes: Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja
Tänak said: “Rally Sweden will be an alI-new event as we are moving more north than we have in previous years. I really don’t know what to expect but snow is always something I’ve really enjoyed competing on. Last season we were victorious in the snow in Arctic Rally Finland, so we know we are fast and competitive on this surface. The target will be to hit the ground running and find a good rhythm with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1.”
Crew Notes: Oliver Solberg/Elliott Edmondson
Solberg said: “First of all, it is going to be very emotional to compete in my first home event as a factory driver. It is something I have dreamed about my whole life. I think the new location is an important step, as it is what the rally needs to secure fantastic conditions, even if it is sad to move away from my hometown.
“Snow and ice is also my favourite surface, so it will be a very special rally. You have to be quite aggressive with your driving style, keeping the front of the car in the lines but pushing the rear. It will be new for everybody, so preparations are more equal and gives me a good opportunity to have a strong weekend. Rally Sweden will be a mix of everything: fast and twisty roads, wintry conditions, lots of snowbanks – and maybe some reindeer.”