Hyundai is one of the brands with the greatest presence in the world of motorsport, especially in rallies and touring cars. The South Korean firm has double official program and ‘client-careers’ in both disciplines, competing in the premier class of the WRC with the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 while also offering its Hyundai i20 N Rally2 to its customers. The same dynamic occurs on circuits with the official programs in the FIA ETCR and WTCR with the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR and the Hyundai Elantra N TCR, the latter also available for private teams.
In this stage, Hyundai Motorsport has decided that two of its star drivers will swap cars for a demonstration event that will take place in Zolder, so the Belgian circuit will witness an unprecedented image. Thierry Neuville, Hyundai’s official WRC driver, will take the controls of the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR, electric vehicle of the brand in the FIA ETCR. For its part, Norbert Michelisz, usual ‘owner’ of this car, will get behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 with which Neuville competes in the WRC.
Julien MoncetDeputy Director of Hyundai Motorsport, said: “Electric power in the world of racing is a mainstay for Hyundai, as evidenced by the Hyundai Veloster N ETCR and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Seeing them together is a great opportunity. They are two cars with very different designs, designed for very different challenges in competition. Hyundai technology is represented by the all-electric powertrain of the Veloster and the hybrid system of our ‘Rally1’. It will be interesting to hear comments from Thierry Neuville and Norbert Michelisz.”
Thierry Neuvillea Hyundai WRC driver, said: “The car swap in Zolder will be a lot of fun, both for me and for Norbi. Driving cars from other disciplines is always interesting and you can always learn as a driver. The Hyundai Veloster N ETCR looks very interesting. I can’t wait to find out how he accelerates and how he behaves on the circuit. It will also be fun to see Michelisz behind the wheel of ‘Rally1’, because for him it will also be a leap into something completely new. It will be good to see his reaction to the latest generation of WRC cars.”
For its part, Norbert Michelisz He added: “It will be an interesting experience to drive the new Hyundai i20 N Rally1. WRC cars always look spectacular and the 2022 cars are no exception. Thierry will give me some tips to get the best out of the car and we can both have fun. It will be my first time with a hybrid racing car, which will be interesting as TCR cars will also have it in the future. Thierry is a great driver and will enjoy the experience».
Photos: hyundai motorsport