Hyundai drivers admit i20 needs more work for Sardinia

Fast gravel WRC jinx is over but on slower, loose surfaces Tänak and Neuville are still searching for pace

Thierry Neuville

Hyundai Motorsport drivers Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville both feel the i20 Coupe WRC needs more work ahead of next month’s Rally Italy World Rally Championship round.

Last year’s manufacturers’ title-winning car is missing traction in slower-speed sections – something the team was working on through its pre-event test in Sardinia last week.

While Andrea Adamo’s team overcame its issues on fast gravel with a dominant 1-2 on Rally Estonia, Rally Turkey raised issues with the car’s performance on some of the looser sections.

Following the Marmaris-based event, Tänak told DirtFish: “In places the performance is there and we know places where we can improve a lot.

“The test for Sardinia was crucial to improve things, especially in the first-loop situation. We need more performance, especially on loose gravel.”

Thierry Neuville

Photo: Jaanus Ree/Red Bull Content Pool

Tänak’s team-mate Thierry Neuville looked like he had victory in Turkey under control before dropping to second place with a final-day puncture.

He agreed with Tänak, adding: “We are always improving and looking for more performance.

“The team is fully behind the drivers and we’re pushing in all the directions we can. We try to get first in Sardinia and, to be honest, I think we deserved this for Turkey.

“But now let’s focus on Sardinia. We’ll be fifth on the road there and that should be good, depending on the weather.”

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Words:David Evans

Photography:Jaanue Ree / Red Bull Content Pool

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