Info Malang Raya Its All About World News
Hyundai Motorsport Confirms 2026 Participation in WRC
Hyundai Motorsport has officially announced its continued involvement in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) for the 2026 season. This decision comes after months of speculation about the brand’s future in the sport. The Korean manufacturer had been under scrutiny as it prepared to expand into other racing series, including the World Endurance Championship under the Genesis brand.
The confirmation came just before this week’s Rally Finland, a key event in the WRC calendar. Despite uncertainty regarding its long-term plans beyond 2026, Hyundai has made it clear that it will remain competitive in the top-tier rally championship next year. The WRC is set to introduce new technical regulations for the 2027 season, which has left some questions about the future of factory teams like Hyundai.
Since its debut in the WRC in 2014, Hyundai has maintained a strong presence in the sport. However, the brand’s recent shift in focus toward endurance racing sparked concerns among fans and industry insiders. Nevertheless, Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul has expressed confidence in the team’s direction.
“We are pleased to confirm that Hyundai Motorsport will continue its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026,” Abiteboul stated in a brief release. “This decision reflects the strong momentum we’ve built in recent events and the regulatory support from the FIA, which will allow us to further develop our Rally1 car and remain competitive at the highest level.”
The statement also highlighted the importance of the additional season in shaping the future of Hyundai Motorsport. The company sees 2026 as an opportunity to refine its technology and strategies while preparing for potential changes in the WRC landscape.
Regulatory Support and Technical Developments
The announcement coincided with the release of the WRC’s 2026 calendar, which included several notable updates. One of the most significant developments was the confirmation that the Rally1 technical regulations will remain in place for the entire homologation cycle, extending through 2026. This stability provides teams with a clearer roadmap for development and competition.
In addition, the FIA introduced two extra homologation jokers for all Rally1 teams. These jokers allow teams to make improvements across various aspects of their vehicles, ensuring they can keep pace with evolving performance standards. The move was widely welcomed by manufacturers, who had previously called for greater flexibility in adapting to new regulations.
FIA technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon emphasized the importance of these changes during a media roundtable. He noted that while no official registrations have been made yet, there is no indication that any teams plan to leave the championship.
“There are no official registrations yet made, but there is no reason to think that somebody should be leaving the championship,” Mestelan Pinon said. “And I would say that we were quite confident, especially because, as requested by all the manufacturers, we allowed two new jokers to allow them to upgrade the car for the point that it needs to be, to make them comfortable.”
He added that the decision to provide additional jokers was not exclusive to Hyundai. “It was something that was requested, not only by Hyundai. I would say that we tick the box also for this point.”
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 season now confirmed, Hyundai Motorsport is poised to continue its efforts in rallying’s premier category. The brand will use the upcoming season to strengthen its position ahead of the potential regulatory shifts in 2027. As the WRC prepares for a new era, the continued participation of major manufacturers like Hyundai remains a critical factor in the championship’s long-term success.
