Hyundai Motorsport has confirmed it can maintain speed on fast gravel rally stages, positioning the i20 Rally1 for podium contention in Finland.
Test Base Switch Continues Development Focus
The team moved its permanent testing and tuning base from Finland to the south of France, a location that offers both gravel and asphalt surfaces.
Andrew Wheatley, Hyundai sporting director, noted that the transition kept the car’s overall pace similar to previous seasons, a positive sign for upcoming gravel events.
Estonia Podium Finishes Validate Gravel Package
Adrien Fourmaux finished third and Thierry Neuville finished fourth on Estonia’s high‑speed, tight gravel sections, demonstrating the vehicle’s competitiveness across varied terrain.
Wheatley highlighted that these results confirm the engineering effort over the past three months has produced the required performance to challenge on all gravel surfaces remaining in the 2026 season.
Drivers Target Another Podium in Finland
Fourmaux, who secured a first podium since Kenya, said the recent success in Estonia gives him confidence heading into Finland, where he expects to fight strongly for a podium finish.
Neuville, after a technical issue shortened his preparation rally in Finland, emphasized that learning from Estonia will lead to a stronger car and a clear push for victory without incidents.
Competition and Strategy at Rally Finland
Hyundai crew positions start sixth, seventh, and eighth, while five Toyota entrants are capable of victory, offering a stern challenge.
Finland’s high‑speed, flat‑out sections mirror those of Estonia, suggesting Hyundai’s proven gravel performance should translate into a competitive campaign.
With confirmed pace, driver confidence, and tactical positioning, Hyundai seeks to secure a top place in the Finnish gravel rally, poised to challenge the Toyota dominance that has traditionally defined the event.
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