Hyundai Motorsport has launched its WRC team in Offenbach, Germany overnight, before next months first race at the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship at Monte Carlo.
Great news for Australian WRC fans with Australian Chris Atkinson finding a seat for selected events in the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team for 2014.
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of Hyundai Motorsport in testing this season and to have had the chance to contribute to the development of the i20 WRC,” said Chris Atkinson. “It’s fantastic to be able to carry on with the team into 2014, our first WRC season, and to be able to drive in Rally Australia later in the year.”
Hyundai Motorsport has set its self some realistic goals for the 2014 WRC championship, with the main goal to have both cars to finish each event. if each car finish all events the team will have gather vital data and knowledge to give the title a full blown assault in 2015.
“We have worked tremendously hard to get where we are today and to be able to launch our new WRC team to the world,” explains Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, Michel Nandan. “In less than one year, we have built and tested a brand new WRC-specification car, the Hyundai i20 WRC, and established a professional team and modern motorsport facility. It’s a huge accomplishment but we know that we have a lot to learn in our first season. Our aims for 2014 are realistic: we want to finish each rally with both cars and build up a database of information and experience so we can develop ourselves into prospective rally winners in the future. If all goes well, we will hope to be competing for occasional podiums as the year progresses.”
It will be an interesting start to the WRC next year in Monte Carlo and with young superstar Thierry Neuville behind the wheel Hyundai are set for a competitive outing.
“I am really excited at the prospect of helping Hyundai Motorsport to integrate itself into the tough WRC environment,” said Thierry Neuville. “It is an honour to be representing a manufacturer like Hyundai Motor Company but also to have the extra responsibility of leading the team in our first season. I am looking forward to Monte Carlo. I can already feel the professionalism, motivation and passion of this team, so although it will be a steep learning curve, I am sure it will be a positive one.”
Check back over the coming months as we document company's efforts in competing in the 2014 championship.
