Hyundai Motor Wins Consecutive Victory at WRC Sweden Rally... Rising Expectations for This Season

by Woo Sooyoun

Published 19 Feb.2024 08:52(KST)

Updated 19 Feb.2024 14:47(KST)

Hyundai Motor Company secured victory at the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) Sweden Rally, marking their second consecutive win following the season opener.

Hyundai announced on the 19th that they won the 2024 WRC Round 2 held in Ume?, Sweden, from the 15th to the 18th (local time).

The WRC is a world-class motorsport event organized by the F?d?ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). It is renowned for its grueling races that take place on various surfaces including paved roads, unpaved roads, and snowy tracks under diverse environmental conditions.

This year’s WRC consists of a total of 13 rounds. The next three rounds are scheduled to be held in Kenya from March 28 to 31. The Swedish circuit, where this event took place, is the only WRC rally course entirely covered with snow and ice. Drivers must execute bold driving and flexible strategies to cope with the extreme cold and slippery road conditions.

Esapekka Lappi (right) of the Hyundai World Rally Team, who won the 2024 WRC Sweden Rally, and co-driver Jan Perner <br>[Photo by Hyundai Motor Company]

Esapekka Lappi (right) of the Hyundai World Rally Team, who won the 2024 WRC Sweden Rally, and co-driver Jan Perner
[Photo by Hyundai Motor Company]

Esapekka Lappi of the Hyundai World Rally Team (Hyundai Team), competing with the 'i20 N Rally1 Hybrid' race car, maintained a dominant position near the top throughout the race and clinched first place, achieving his first win of the season.

Based on his stable driving skills, Lappi led the race from start to finish, guiding the team to victory. Notably, this win marked Lappi’s first victory as a member of the Hyundai Team, adding special significance. Thierry Neuville, who also participated, finished in 4th place.

Thanks to the outstanding performances of its drivers, Hyundai Team earned a total of 42 points, tying with Toyota Team for first place in the manufacturers’ category. With Hyundai Team ranking first in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ categories, expectations for the season have been raised significantly.

Til Vattenberg, Executive Director of Hyundai Motor Company’s N Brand & Motorsports Division, stated, "We will do our best to maintain the momentum of victory until the end of this year and continue to deliver good news to N Brand and motorsports fans."