There have been rumors in recent days about Hyundai leaving the World Rally (WRC) after this time, suspending the project until 2029. We got a reaction from the team about speculation.
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02/09/2026
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ANDstará Hyundai output World Rally World (WRC)? It has been speculated on the suspension of the project after the present time and until 2029, but without official confirmations.
O Minute Auto/Minute News he contacted the press department of the south korean manufacturer's team, which cleared us up.
You can read in a note sent to us: “The plans for the next season have not yet been completed, and any relevant official announcements will be made in due time.”.
Thus, Hyundai did not confirm or deny the information brought by the Spanish newspaper AS a few days ago. The diary pointed to a pause in the project after this time, with the return of a program in WRC 2 until the return to the elite in 2029 – taking advantage that that year the flexibility in choosing the type of motorization should be introduced in the WRC.
Hyundai's current project began in 2014, having already resulted in two titles of builders (2019 and 2020) and one of pilots – achieved in 2024 by Thierry Neuville. Pilots such as Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi, Ott Tänak and Sébastien Loeb passed the team for 12 years.
Just an official builder?
If Hyundai leaves, the World Rally World Championship will be tied to only one official manufacturer in 2027 – Toyota. Then there is Ford represented through M-Sport, and the independent Project Rally One and RMC Motorsport/RFEDA are confirmed.
New rules, lower costs
Next year is marked by the introduction of new regulations aimed at cost containment. There is greater freedom of choice for mechanics suppliers and also for body design: you only have to respect the maximum dimensions imposed without having to derive from existing serial models.
There will be components coming from the current Rally2, turbo engines 1.6 liters, five-speed boxes, in full traction bolids with tubular structure frame. The maximum price drops almost half compared to the current Rally1.
Rally2 cars will therefore be closer to those of the top category in terms of performance. And there is even the possibility that Rally2 approved by the end of this year will compete in the maximum class if the approved specific kit is installed.