Dani Sordo is of interest to the World Rally Championship’s newest team, WRT Rally1 Spain. But is Sordo interested in it?
The Spaniard has been part of Hyundai Motorsport since it rejoined the world championship in 2014, returning to drive one of its Rally1 cars for the first time in over a year at this weekend’s Rally Islas Canarias.
The new outfit, a collaboration between RMC Motorsport and the governing body for Spanish motorsport RFEDA, is an all-Spanish affair, and while the driver lineup is yet to be decided, Sordo is on the shortlist.
Asked by DirtFish if he would like to drive for the team next year, Sordo said: “If there is a Spanish team in the World Rally Championship, for sure I will help, but not for work.
“I know the guy that will make the project, and he’s a good guy, and if I can help, for sure I will do it.”
Quizzed if help extended to driving the car or some other role, Sordo added: “I don’t have anything in mind. Now the only thing in mind is to try to catch the Toyotas in Canarias. And then the Rally Portugal. Next, we’ll see.”
Hyundai sporting director Andrew Wheatley admitted Sordo would be of interest to him if he was in WRT Rally1 Spain’s position.
“If I was in another team, and I was in the same position, I’d be banging on his door trying to find out where he can be,” Wheatley told DirtFish.
“What he did in Portugal last year… don’t forget, he had a proper fight on last year in the Portuguese Championship and every time they put the helmet on, him and Kris [Meeke] were locking horns and the speed was just getting faster and faster and faster.
“His competitive spirit hasn’t gone anywhere. He still wants to be the fastest he possibly can. He’d like to be leading the rally. He wants to be leading the rally. But he’s got Portugal in two weeks and he will have a really good starting position in Portugal and he will be fully tail up and ready to go.”
Who are the other driver options?
Alejandro Cachón (pictured) and Jan Solans are obvious options for the new team
Dani Sordo is the most prolific active Spanish driver in the WRC, but there are plenty of others competing in WRC2 – like Alejandro Cachón and Jan Solans – who are widely seen as strong contenders for the drive
Cachòn, however, told DirtFish he hasn’t yet spoken with the team.
“No, no, I don’t speak with them. I think it’s too early to speak,” he said. “We are at the start of the season. So let’s see.
“Now I am focused on this season, it’s still long. There are a lot of months for the end of the season and I am focused on the championship.”
Solans, meanwhile, has been in contact and confirmed he is interested in the drive.
“I know that there’s a team there that they will need a driver, but we will see,” he said.
Asked if he was hoping to get a phone call at some point, Solans replied: “Yes, that’s it.”
