The recent announcement from the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Hyundai Motorsport offering rallying talent from regional series around the world a drive in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 at an FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) event is a welcome step but leaves some unanswered questions.
The initiative for the next three years is to nurture drivers from the FIA’s regional rally series by offering them a drive in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 at a FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) event.
Starting from this season, championship winners from five FIA-sanctioned regional series – the African Rally Championship, Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, CODASUR Rally Championship, Middle East Rally Championship and NACAM Rally Championship – will be awarded a drive in the i20 N Rally2 at a WRC round during the 2022 campaign.
Set to be homologated later this year, the i20 N Rally2 at the centre of the prize is the latest rallying design produced by the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing department and will be debuted in the FIA WRC2 class at Ypres Rally Belgium. The car is a successor to the Hyundai i20 R5, which has clinched several national and international titles since its first runs in the hands of customer teams and drivers in 2016.
For young Kiwi drivers coming through the ranks, such as Jack Hawkeswood, Robbie Stokes, Dylan Thomas and Ari Pettigrew, it not only offers an opportunity of a life-time but also the potential to showcase their talent.
But what of the likes of ex WRC drivers who still regularly compete in their own regional series, such as Hayden Paddon? What we don’t know is whether previous WRC experience disqualifies a driver, and is there an age restriction in place?
What we also don’t know, is whether the 2021 APRC finale to be held at Coffs Harbour, Australia, 27-28 November will actually go ahead?
There’s no doubt these answers will unfold. What we must welcome is the superb opportunity that this presents to those competing in the five FIA-sanctioned regional series.
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