With Thierry Neuville zeroing in on a maiden drivers’ title, and team-mate Ott Tänak still mathematically able to stop him, the onus is on Andreas Mikkelsen to step up for Hyundai in Japan.
Those are the thoughts of Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul ahead of what could be an historic weekend for the team in two weeks’ time.
Although the identity of who is still to be decided, Hyundai has already won this year’s World Rally Championship drivers’ title – for the first time in its history – thanks to the result at last month’s Central European Rally.
Immediately after CER Abiteboul was quick to point to this milestone and how it was a major objective for the season, but realistically the job is only half done.
Having led the manufacturers’ standings for most of the year, and leading Toyota by 15 points going into Japan, the target is to claim a world title double.
All three drivers have a role to play in that, but with Neuville being (in Abiteboul’s words) “massively risk averse” Hyundai will need Tänak and Mikkelsen to be on the offensive against the trio of Toyotas, which all have nothing to lose as the chasers with only the manufacturers’ title to shoot for.
Mikkelsen helped Hyundai out on Sunday at CER with second place on the powerstage, and generally was a lot faster in the car than he had been on the previous Tarmac rounds in Monte Carlo and Croatia. But his accident on Friday morning put Hyundai on the back foot until Sébastien Ogier crashed out on Sunday.
Asked if Mikkelsen needed to step up in Japan compared to CER, Abiteboul told DirtFish: “Absolutely we need three cars to be able to contribute. But Andreas contributed today. And it does show that he can contribute when things are not going against him.
“Obviously, it was a bit disappointing about all the things that happened earlier in the weekend. So let’s make sure that he’s got a good preparation.
“As always, we will be dedicating time and effort to make sure that he’s well prepared, that the car is well set up. Because as you said, we will need everyone’s contribution in that fight.”
Mikkelsen found good speed in CER which he'll be looking to replicate in Japan
Mikkelsen will benefit from running at this weekend’s Rallye La Nucía – Mediterráneo in Spain, as will Neuville.
The Norwegian told DirtFish his aim for Japan is to build on his “huge step” in CER where “the feeling has completely changed compared to Croatia”.
He said: “I think there’s a lot to build on from this weekend. I have a very good feeling on Tarmac with the car at the moment, so just build on that and get there.
“I know I can keep a good speed close to the guys, hopefully we can fight with the guys in Japan and take one small step from here.”
The Hyundais will be up against Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta from Toyota. Outgoing world champion Kalle Rovanperä will not compete.
