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Wales podium the target for Hyundai

After claiming a double podium in spain last weekend, Hyundai will head to the dayinsure Wales Rally GB (27-30 october) aiming to extend its run of consecutive top-three results which dates back to ADAC Rallye Deutschland in august.

Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo, who starred for the team in Spain, will return for the manufacturer's main squad in Wales, while Hayden Paddon will drive an identical i20 World Rally Car for the second-tier 'N' team.

Sordo will head to Wales buoyed by his recent second places in Germany and Spain, which have equalled his best result for Hyundai. The Spaniard finished fourth in GB last season, and is hoping to go one better this time.

Sordo said: "Wales Rally GB is a special event for everyone. It's a ‘big name' event on the calendar and one where we all want to achieve success. I feel that we are well prepared with our car for this event. It offers good grip, so often it can be very enjoyable to drive in the wetter conditions.

"As always, I'll try my best to compete near the front. We had an incredible rally in Spain - and it was fantastic to be in a fight for the victory. I will carry those feelings onto Wales and see what we can achieve."

Team principal Michel Nandan believes Hyundai's 2016-spec car has the potential to turn around a disappointing track record so far in Wales. "Wales Rally GB has not been one of our more successful venues in the past two years, but with the New Generation i20 WRC I am hopeful of a better result this season," he said.

"We have shown glimpses of our potential before, including Power Stage points in 2014 and stage wins last year. The pieces of the puzzle have all been there; we now need to put them all together. We will be aiming to tick Wales Rally GB off our list of podium targets next weekend. Following our double podium in Spain, there's certainly a lot of positive momentum in the team."

Monza reveal for 2017 car

Hyundai has announced it will reveal its brand new 2017 World Rally Car for the first time on Thursday 1 December. The car will go on static display at Italy's Monza Rally Show until 4 December.

Hyundai unveiled an interim version of its new car, based on the three-door i20 road car, at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Zdroj: wrc.com