Hyundai opts for an older i20 N Rally1 in Safari Rally Kenya, prioritizing reliability over performance to challenge Toyota’s early dominance.
Many years have passed since Hyundai last tasted success in Safari Rally Kenya, and the team is now taking a conservative approach to increase its chances in one of the toughest events on the World Rally Championship calendar.
As round three of the season approaches, Hyundai Motorsport has decided to forgo its latest i20 N Rally1 specification and instead rely on the proven reliability of an older version of the car.
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Ott Tanak, Hyundai’s 2019 world champion, confirmed the team’s strategy as he prepares for the grueling African challenge later this month.
“We’re going to use the old car,” said the Estonian, who finished third in Safari Rally Kenya in 2021, securing Hyundai’s only podium in the event’s modern era.
“Reliability is the priority [on the Safari] and we know it’s there [with the 2024 car].”
The decision comes in response to the unique demands of Safari Rally Kenya, which is notorious for its punishing terrain, unpredictable weather, and mechanical attrition.
Unlike smoother, high-speed rallies such as Sweden, where Hyundai introduced its latest i20 upgrade, the Safari requires a robust and battle-hardened machine capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
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Defending world champion Thierry Neuville elaborated on Hyundai’s reasoning, revealing that limited testing played a role in their cautious approach.
“We couldn’t test enough on rough roads, and we know that the other car is strong on that side, so I think the team preferred not to take any risk on that,” explained Neuville.
Hyundai’s strategic decision comes at a critical juncture in the season, as the team seeks to halt Toyota’s early dominance.
The Japanese manufacturer has won both opening rounds of the championship, leaving Hyundai scrambling for answers.
Team principal Cyril Abiteboul acknowledged the need to respond but emphasized that a complete overhaul is unnecessary.
“The championship is not starting in the right way for us,” admitted Abiteboul.
“However, it is clear that we do not need big improvements to turn things around. We need to focus on having a clean rally, starting in Safari Rally Kenya, which will be a great opportunity to do better than the previous years there.”
Hyundai’s decision to prioritize reliability over outright speed could be a masterstroke if their drivers can keep their cars intact through the treacherous Kenyan roads.
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In past editions, the Safari Rally has been a war of attrition, with even the fastest drivers struggling to finish without mechanical issues.
By opting for a well-tested, durable machine rather than taking risks with the latest developments, Hyundai is hoping to finally conquer one of rallying’s most brutal events and put an end to Toyota’s perfect start to the year.