Hyundai’s new livery and new test driver

Oh boy, here we go. Nothing happened yesterday, as if all teams were waiting for someone else to make the first move. Then came Tuesday and two teams unveiled their secrets, sharing new or updated livery designs with the general public. One of those teams is Hyundai Motorsport, but they have more exciting news to share beyond a photograph of a new paint scheme on the i20 WRC. For example, we learned today the identity of that fourth driver, the one who is supposed to take part in some of the events this year. Dutch driver Kevin Abbring and his British co-driver Seb Marshall will be in charge of team’s test programme, but they will also take part in some of the events making the 2015 World Rally Championship. This is excellent news not only for this crew, but for the WRC in general, because it shows Hyundai’s commitment and their growing ambitions heading into second year of their WRC programme.

Concerning Hyundai’s new livery, they did not change that much, but at the same time they changed plenty. The car looks even more elaborate and catchy, and I think we’re in for a treat once the new generation inspired i20 WRC breaks cover later this year. All in all, Hyundai are heading in the right direction, let’s hope their pace will be able to keep up with ambitions and expectations.

Here’s what Hyundai Motorsport wants us to know about their new livery, new test driver and new partners.

New names join Hyundai Motorsport ahead of second WRC season

Hyundai Motorsport has added a number of new names to its team line-up as the start of the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) fast approaches.

The success of Hyundai Motorsport’s debut season in the WRC has been well supported by Hyundai around the world. As a result of the team’s performances in 2014, which included the memorable 1-2 in Rallye Deutschland, a number of Hyundai affiliates have come on board as official partners ahead of the 2015 season.

Automotive parts company Hyundai Mobis, parts manufacturer Hyundai WIA and steel firm Hyundai Steel will all be partners of Hyundai Motorsport from the first round of the year at Monte Carlo, with their company logos displayed on the Hyundai i20 WRC cars.

The team’s maiden season in WRC was the first proper foray into the world of motorsport for much of the Hyundai world. The interest in the rally programme and visits to the team’s hospitality unit at events resulted in a greater understanding of the business benefits that can be derived from Hyundai Motorsport’s involvement in WRC, as well as the appeal to customers around the world.

Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai WIA and Hyundai Steel have now partnered with Hyundai Motorsport to use WRC to promote their own businesses on a truly global scale, as befits the nature of their respective businesses.

Team Principal Michel Nandan said: “We have had a lot of support from Hyundai around the world following our inaugural season and it is a pleasure to welcome Hyundai Mobis, Hyundai WIA and Hyundai Steel to the team for 2015. The appeal and business benefits of our WRC activities in 2014 became quickly apparent to Hyundai globally and these new partnerships are a result of that. We’re sure we will share a positive season together with these important companies.”

Hyundai Motorsport has also announced the signing of Dutchman Kevin Abbring in the role of test driver for the coming season.

Abbring, who turns 26 next week, is a young and talented driver with a bright future in the WRC. He carried out some driving duties for the team last year, taking part in a number of pre-event roll-outs. His attitude and skill behind the wheel impressed the engineers, who found him to be a valuable addition to the team.

Abbring, who took part in the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) as well as Rallye de France last season, will take part in a number of official tests with the main focus on development of the New Generation i20 WRC and will compete in selected WRC events with the team, alongside his co-driver Sebastian Marshall.

Abbring commented: “I am thrilled to be joining the Hyundai Motorsport driver line-up in 2015 in the role of test driver. I watched the team’s debut season in WRC with interest and they really surpassed everyone’s expectations. I look forward to making a contribution to the ongoing development of the car and working with a very talented team of people.”

Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “We are pleased to include Kevin in our driver line-up for 2015, He is an extremely talented young driver and definitely one to watch for the future. We take our role as a WRC manufacturer seriously and have to invest in the talent of tomorrow. He impressed us with his approach and his ability in some roll-outs last year and we followed his progress in ERC and Rallye de France closely. He has vast experience with different rally cars and his contribution to the development of our New Generation i20 WRC will be valuable. It’s great to have him as part of our driver roster.”