Hyundai Prepares for Safari Rally
Hyundai Motorsport has announced its decision to compete with the 2024 specification i20 N Rally1 at the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, moving away from the upgraded version debuted at Rally Sweden. The team cited reliability concerns and parts availability as key reasons for this choice.
Background on Vehicle Specifications
Hyundai introduced an enhanced version of its World Rally Championship contender at Rally Sweden earlier this season, which included updates like weight reduction and an improved suspension system. However, the team has decided to revert to the 2024-spec model, which was previously used in the season opener in Monte Carlo.
Concerns Over Reliability
Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, Hyundai's drivers, expressed their concerns regarding the new suspension's reliability. Gerard-Jan de Jongh, a senior engineer with Hyundai, noted that the team lacked sufficient mileage on the new components to ensure total reliability in the challenging conditions expected in Kenya. "We simply did not have enough mileage on our upgraded suspension parts to confidently say they would hold up under intense rally conditions," de Jongh stated.
Future Rally Strategy
While the existing vehicle specification will be utilized for the Safari Rally, de Jongh indicated that this would likely be a one-time adjustment for the season. "I’m pretty confident this is the swansong for this specification," he commented, hinting at no further swaps between homologated specifications for upcoming rounds.
Challenges at Safari Rally Kenya
Kenya's Safari Rally, scheduled from March 20 to March 23, presents unique challenges, as it is renowned for its rough terrain. Hyundai has yet to secure a victory at this event, with recent years seeing Toyota dominate. The only podium finish for Hyundai in Kenya came in 2021, when Tänak placed third.
Vehicle Adaptations for Kenyan Conditions
For the Safari Rally, Hyundai has made specific adaptations to the i20 N, particularly focusing on enhancing the snorkel design to protect the engine from the harsh conditions. De Jongh emphasized that this adaptation reflected the team’s commitment to addressing the rally's environmental challenges while ensuring vehicle integrity.
Overview of WRC Season Performance
The current WRC season has been a learning experience for Hyundai, especially given their past struggles in the Rally Kenya. With a focus on reliability and the need for parts to withstand the tough environments, the team has worked on optimizing its resources to ensure better performance going forward.
