The 2024 world champion drove a Rally1 car at Goodwood, but will now compete in France next week
Photography by Hyundai
Words by Luke Barry
Co-drivers having a crack behind the wheel is very trendy these days.
There was Aaron Johnston at his local Bushwacker Rally in September. There’s been Jonne Halttunen’s various exploits driving his own Toyota Corolla. And of course last year’s world champion, Martijn Wydaeghe, tried an i20 N Rally1 for size at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Now, Thierry Neuville’s right-hand man is having a go for real: entering Rallye Régional du Pays Vençois in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
The one-day event, based in La Gaude in the French Alps, will be Wydaeghe’s first competitive foray behind the wheel of a rally car. He’ll be co-driven by Florian Haut-Labourdette, who usually works with Wydaeghe as part of Neuville’s WRC route note crew.
“After shaking things down at Goodwood earlier this year and last week’s win in Saudi Arabia, now it’s time to switch seats!” Wydaeghe said.
“Next week I’ll team up with Florian Haut-Labourdette at the Rallye du Pays Vençois, this time behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2. Can’t wait for this challenge!”
The rally takes place on Saturday December 13, comprising nine stages that total 25 miles.
Wydaeghe also revealed a striking livery for his i20 (see below).
Words:Luke Barry
Tags: Martijn Wydaeghe, WRC
Publish Date December 6, 2025 DirtFish 
https://dirtfish-editorial.s3-accelerate.amazonaws.com/2025/12/9OzJWcOM-2025PORTUGAL_VT_097-780x520.jpg December 6, 2025
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