Hyundai Postpones 2025 Upgrades for Safari Rally Kenya to Focus on Reliability
Hyundai will not implement its 2025 WRC car upgrades at the Safari Rally Kenya, opting instead for 2024 specifications to enhance reliability. This decision stems from previous rally challenges and logistical issues. Despite the lack of updates, important modifications like a revised snorkel will be added for improved engine protection against environmental hazards. Historical performance concerns remain as Hyundai prepares for competition against dominant rivals.
Hyundai has decided to forego its anticipated 2025 upgrades for the upcoming Safari Rally Kenya, sticking with the 2024 specifications for its i20 N Rally1 cars. This decision comes in light of previous struggles at the event, as the South Korean manufacturer aims to improve reliability while tackling one of the toughest rallies on the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. The cars will lack the hybrid units and accommodate air restrictor changes per 2025 regulations.
Last year, Hyundai dedicated significant resources to developing a 2025 upgrade package utilizing homologation jokers that included revisions to the car’s suspension and reduced weight. This package debuted successfully on snow during the Sweden rally, garnering positive feedback from team principal Cyril Abiteboul who emphasized that the updates were geared toward gravel and asphalt performance. However, logistical challenges have led to the postponement of these updates.
Abiteboul explained that settling for the 2024 specifications is aimed at ensuring optimal parts availability after a busy winter filled with late-stage changes. He expressed confidence that this approach addressed issues encountered last year in Kenya without significantly impacting performance. Performance data from Sweden suggested the car was competitive, although it had not been specifically designed for the snowy conditions.
For the Safari Rally, Hyundai will utilize a newly enhanced snorkel design, aimed at shielding the engine from hazards like water and dust—common issues during the Nairobi rally. Abiteboul considered this snorkel an improvement over the previous version, illustrating the team’s commitment to preparation.
Historically, the Safari Rally has posed considerable challenges for Hyundai, with only one podium finish in its participation since 2021, compared to Toyota’s dominance. Reliability failures have plagued Hyundai, prompting efforts to address recurring issues before each rally visit. A recent pre-event test elucidated an electrical concern, reinforcing the need for continued development.
Abiteboul confirmed that the team has tackled issues that arose in last year’s event but noted the unpredictable nature of new challenges that arise each year. He emphasized the importance of identifying such issues before the competition begins, attributing recent reliability fixes to thorough pre-event testing. The Safari Rally Kenya tips off next Thursday with a total of 21 stages scheduled.
Hyundai’s decision to retain the 2024 specifications for the Safari Rally Kenya reflects a strategic focus on reliability over new performance upgrades. Despite the development of a new snorkel design for engine protection, unresolved reliability issues continue to challenge the team, particularly given their historical struggles at this rally. Moving forward, addressing these ongoing concerns will be pivotal for Hyundai’s overall success in the series as they compete against stronger rivals like Toyota.
Original Source: www.motorsport.com
