A new name will join the driver line-up for the 2019 WRC season as nine-time champion Sébastien Loeb has signed a two-year contract with the Hyundai Motorsport team.
The Frenchman will compete in six rounds of the championship in an i20 Coupe WRC alongside long-time co-driver Daniel Elena, starting at Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Dani Sordo has been confirmed for an eight-rally campaign next season, starting from Rally México. Sordo has signed a one-year contract extension, which will mark his sixth consecutive year with the team.
Dani and Sébastien, who were WRC team-mates for four seasons from 2007-2010 will join Thierry Neuville and Andreas Mikkelsen on the roster for 2019. Hyundai continue to have an open dialogue with Hayden Paddon to discuss options for his involvement with the team into next year.
“Sébastien’s announcement is hugely important for our team and we are overjoyed that he has agreed a two-year contract,” said Team Principal Michel. “Sealing a deal with someone of his immense talent and calibre shows that we are an attractive and competitive proposition in the WRC.”
Sébastien registered his 79th WRC victory in spectacular fashion at Rally de España in October, his first since 2013. He will get his first taste of the i20 Coupe WRC prior to Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the 2019 season.
“I am delighted to announce that Daniel and I will compete in six WRC events for Hyundai Motorsport in 2019,” Loeb said. “Winning at Rally de España re-ignited my desire to continue competing at the very front of WRC. Joining Hyundai will give us a fresh challenge and one that I can’t wait to tackle. I have been impressed with the team’s approach and their determination to succeed.”
Comments