Newly-crowned two-time WRC2 champion Mikkelsen and WRC veteran Sordo will share Hyundai’s third i20 N WRC entry with recently re-signed Esapekka Lappi, meaning three driver pairings will pilot the car next year.
Confirmation of Mikkelsen’s return to WRC’s top-flight since 2019 and Sordo’s contract extension completes a strong line-up for the Korean squad.
Five-time WRC title runner-up Thierry Neuville and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak, who drove for M-Sport in 2023, will drive the team’s full-time entries.
Mikkelsen is no stranger to the Hyundai squad having driven for the team from 2017-2019 following a stint at Volkswagen, where he scored three WRC wins before the German marque withdrew from the championship.
The Norwegian has been striving to return to the top level and was considered by Hyundai for a 2023 drive before Lappi’s arrival. Since falling out of the top tier, Mikkelsen has claimed WRC2 titles in 2021 and 2023 driving for Toksport Skoda.
“I am very excited to come back to the top category of rallying with Hyundai Motorsport,” said Mikkelsen.
“Since 2019, we have fought hard to return to the top flight of the sport, and I am very glad we are doing it with Hyundai.
“We have a big opportunity in front of us, and we will grab it with both hands and make the most out of it. I want to thank Hyundai Motorsport for putting their faith in us; we will give our maximum to help achieve the high targets that will be set for the 2024 season.”
Photo by: Hyundai Motorsport
Andreas Mikkelsen, Dani Sordo, Hyundai Motorsport
Hyundai’s decision to opt for experience has been further outlined with confirmation of a new deal for fellow three-time WRC rally winner Sordo.
Next year will mark an 11th season with the team for the 40-year-old, who revealed in Japan last month that he would grace WRC stages in 2024.
“I am very happy to be staying with Hyundai Motorsport for another season to help the team achieve its objectives for 2024,” said Sordo.
“The rallies we will compete in suit how I drive, which gives me confidence that we can score lots of points in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid.
“I have been part of the family in Alzenau for over 10 years now and have enjoyed title-winning celebrations in 2019 and 2020, so I will do all I can to help the team get back to the top.”
It is unclear how Hyundai will split the WRC programme across its three drivers next year, although it is expected…
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