The Rally Islas Canarias served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the World Rally Championship (WRC). Hyundai’s performance was disheartening, with Ott Tanak delivering a candid assessment, stating that the team was “clearly unprepared” for the event. While the manufacturer headed to this prestigious rally with some optimism—bolstered by Thierry Neuville’s strong showing at Rally Sierra Morena—those expectations quickly dissipated as Toyota dominated with a clean sweep of the podium. The disappointment echoed throughout the Hyundai camp, underscoring not only the challenges faced during the event but also the broader implications for their WRC campaign.
As Hyundai’s cars struggled with set-up and handling, the team quickly realized they had underestimated the unique demands of a pure asphalt rally. The issues they encountered with the Hankook hard compound tyres highlighted operational and strategic misjudgments. The pre-chosen differentials proved problematic, further complicating their performance. Unlike asphalt events in previous rallies, the distinct challenges posed by the Canary Islands rendered Hyundai’s initial confidence unwarranted.
Evaluating Performance and Strategy
A major takeaway from the rally was the realization of fundamental flaws within the Hyundai i20 N Rally1. Instead of a battle for supremacy, Saturday and Sunday became almost glorified test sessions, offering meager opportunities for competitive racing. It was a scenario that tested the team’s resilience and adaptability. Adrien Fourmaux, who employed a different differential configuration, emerged as Hyundai’s fastest driver, finishing fifth but nearly two-and-a-half minutes behind the winner, Kalle Rovanperä. His performance, while commendable under the circumstances, highlighted the gulf between Hyundai and their competition.
Tanak’s reflections during interviews were telling; he did not mince words about the significant gap between Hyundai and Toyota. The essence of Tanak’s critique illuminated a visceral truth—the competitive edge required not just preparation but a comprehensive understanding of the conditions that the rally would present. He acknowledged big lessons learned, yet he hesitated to label them as simple fixes. This caution suggests that the road to recovery may be longer and more winding than fans might hope for.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Despite the setback, there remains a flicker of hope among the Hyundai supporters. Fourmaux expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rebound, emphasizing that the challenges faced in the Canary Islands were rally-specific. His remarks suggest a firm belief in Hyundai’s commitment to improvement and adaptation. He portrayed Hyundai as a team that learns quickly from adversity—one that does not shy away from challenges but rather seeks to confront and resolve them head-on.
Moreover, the mention of a homologation joker provides fans with an additional sliver of optimism. This strategic option could prove pivotal if substantial changes need to be implemented in the i20 N Rally1 to enhance performance ahead of future events. The excitement of rallying lies in its unpredictability, and this joker could serve as a turning point in the season.
Importantly, while frustration hung heavy over the team after the Islas Canarias, it is merely one rally in a longer season. As Fourmaux noted, should the calendar ahead feature fewer asphalt events akin to the Canary Islands, Hyundai might find themselves back on familiar ground, allowing them to harness their capabilities effectively.
While the journey ahead for Hyundai is fraught with questions about speed and adaptability, the resilience shown by the team suggests they have the potential to rise from this rally setback. The spirit of competition remains fierce, and with it, the hope and determination of a team ready to tackle the challenges of the WRC landscape.