Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed Dani Sordo and Craig Breen will share a third i20 Coupe WRC next season.
Both have figured strongly for the Korean manufacturer this season, with the Spaniard winning in Sardinia and finishing third in Monza, while Breen ensured a Hyundai one-two when he followed Ott Tänak home on Rally Estonia.
Running the third i20 Coupe WRC will be more straightforward next season with only two drivers to consider – for the last two seasons Hyundai Motorsport team principal Andrea Adamo had to fit three into one, with Sébastien Loeb also due some seat time.
Tänak and Thierry Neuville remain the full-time drivers with the Alzenau-based team.
For Sordo, who starts his program at next month’s Monte Carlo Rally, staying with Hyundai for an eighth season is like staying with the family.
“I have said before that Hyundai Motorsport is like a family to me, and that has never been clearer than during 2020,” he said.
“We have had a challenging year, but we have supported each other through it all. I am fortunate to have been part of this team since the very start and we continue to grow each year.
“Securing my second WRC win with the team in Sardinia – repeating what we achieved in 2019 – was a great example of how we can continue to be successful together. I look forward to more great results in 2021.”
For Breen, it was – and still is – a dream.
“To have the opportunity to compete on the stages of the World Rally Championship with Hyundai Motorsport has genuinely been a dream come true for me,” said the Irishman.
“Although I have joined the team in occasional rallies since 2019, this year we were really able to demonstrate our potential, with second place in Estonia. It gives us something exciting from which we can build.
“The team has placed its faith in myself and Paul [Nagle, co-driver] to deliver more of these results in 2021. We’ll give everything we’ve got, starting from Rally Sweden.”
Adamo added: “All four drivers have shown their speed and commitment this year, with victories and podiums to support our title fight.
“Our crews offer the perfect blend of experience and hunger for our 2021 title hopes – both in the manufacturers’ and drivers’ – and we are pleased to have them in our organization.”
