Teams continue to identify their drivers for World Rally Championship next yearand this Wednesday it was the turn of Hyundai Motorsport.
So, officially accepted by Hyundai Motorsport Andreas Mikkelsen, who will once again be part of their first-level squad. The Norwegian will share the team’s third car with Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi during the 2024 season of the FIA World Rally Championship.
Mikkelsen, a three-time world rally winner, previously competed for Hyundai between 2017 to 2019, but has since focused his efforts on the WRC2 category, taking titles in 2021 and 2023 both with Skoda.
That dedication and speed earned the 34-year-old driver a seat in one of Hyundai’s i20 N Rally1 cars for 2024. Mikkelsen and his co-pilot Torstein Eriksen They alternate starts with experienced Spaniard Dani Sordo, who begins his 11th season with the team, as well as Finn Esapekka Lappi.
In addition to his Rally1 commitments, Mikkelsen will also support Hyundai in the development of the WRC2, the i20 N Rally2.
Team manager Cyril Abiteboul expressed his excitement for Mikkelsen’s return, acknowledging the impact he could bring to the team.
“It’s great to see Andreas back in our team as he brings proven success and a wealth of experience that will benefit us in WRC and Rally2,” he said. “Thanks to their slightly different specialties and enormous experience, the combination of Esapekka, Dani and Andreas will give us the opportunity to put the best team in each event to fight with Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak“
Mikkelsenwhose last appearance at the top level came at Wales Rally GB in 2019, added: “I’m excited to be back in the top class of rallying with Hyundai Motorsport. Since 2019, we’ve fought hard to drive Rally1, and I It’s great to do it at Hyundai. We have a great opportunity in front of us, and we’re going to make the most of it.”
While Mikkelsen, Sordo and Lappi They will take turns in one of the vehicles, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak They will conduct a full program of all 13 tests, as confirmed in October.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
