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HYUNDAI DRIVER ROTATION FOR 2018 WRC

Driver rotation for Hyundai in 2018 - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

Driver rotation for Hyundai in 2018 - Photo: LAT

Driver rotation for Hyundai in 2018 – Photo: LAT

Hyundai have admitted that they will have to rotate through their four contacted drivers during the 2018 WRC season.

Michel Nandan, Team Principle of the Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, confirmed that the Korean manufacturer was only guaranteed to run three i20’s for the majority of 2018.

It is expected that Thierry Neuville and the recently signed Andreas Mikkelsen will complete the full season, leaving Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo likely to have to run alternate events in the third car.

“Yes, Thierry and Andreas have the contract which says they do all the rallies but everybody has this contract,” said Nandan.

“We could not run four cars next year because of the budget, but maybe on a few events.

“So it’s sure with our four drivers we will have to share one car with two drivers.

“Normally it’s planned for Thierry and Andreas to start all the rallies, but we have to see – things can still change.”

Hayden Paddon to share third car with Dani Sordo - Photo: LAT

Hayden Paddon to share third car with Dani Sordo – Photo: LAT

Hyundai did run four cars in the recent Rally Great Britain giving all four drivers the opportunity to run, but Sordo will sit out Rally Australia in a fortnights time to allow Paddon to compete.

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