There's still no news on 2027, but Hyundai will remain in the championship in 2026
Photography by Hyundai
Words by Luke Barry
Hyundai Motorsport has committed to the World Rally Championship for 2026 – ending speculation about the team’s immediate future.
There is still however no news on whether it will remain in the WRC for 2027, when the Rally1 technical regulations are replaced.
In a short statement confirming Hyundai’s decision on the eve of Rally Finland, Hyundai Motorsport president and team principal Cyril Abiteboul suggested the team’s recent form had been a factor in committing, as well as the FIA’s decision to allow all teams to spend an extra two homologation jokers on their Rally1 cars next year.
Abiteboul said: “We are pleased to confirm that Hyundai Motorsport will continue its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026.
“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. This additional season also gives us the time to shape the future of Hyundai Motorsport with greater confidence.”
Earlier on Thursday, FIA chief technical and safety officer Xavier Mestelan Pinon confirmed that all teams – not just Hyundai – had sought additional jokers.
He said: “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. It was something that was requested not only by Hyundai, but also by Hyundai. I would say that we tick the box also for this point.”
Asked if he was worried about Hyundai’s future participation, Pinon added: “We are not really worried about it. We have just announced, as you have seen this morning, that technical regulation will continue. So at the moment there is no concern that anybody should be leaving the championship.
“Yes, true, there are no official registrations yet made [for 2027], but there is no reason to think that somebody should be leaving the championships.”
Words:Luke Barry
Publish Date July 31, 2025 DirtFish
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