Car 2, Latvala/Anttila
“Yes, the repair was straightforward and I’m happy with the car.”
The car was in service from 21:06 of day 2. Despite what looked like substantial damage, it was localised to the front left chassis leg and suspension. The impact didn’t have any knock-on effect on the front points of the cage or the seat mounting. While the car did roll, the roof didn’t make contact with the ground resulting the cage being undamaged.
Car 3, Meeke/Nagle
Kris Meeke was forced to retire after investigation highlighted the fact the roll cage had been damaged during the crash on SS7.
Car 6, Evans/Barritt
“Really grateful to the job the guys have done last night. They had a lot of work, we didn’t get the car back until just after 01:00. They’ve done a fantastic job in getting the car repaired. So all credit to their work last night. It’s great to be back out and get the chance to get some more mileage in the car and like I say, just really grateful to the boys. ”
Car 10, Kubica/ Szczepaniak
Suffering damage to the front right suspension and wheel, the car was successfully repaired and able to rejoin the rally from park ferme on the morning of day 3.
Hyundai Motorsport has today announced Finnish driver Juho Hänninen as one of the team’s test drivers for 2013, ending weeks of speculation over the mystery man behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 WRC in May.
Hyundai Motorsport has been building up its new operation from scratch since the start of the year, establishing the team at a dedicated facility in Alzenau, Germany and recruiting specialists at every level of its organisation.
Test drivers are an integral part of the team’s development programme, requiring the necessary skills and experience to develop a competitive and reliable rally car in a short space of time.
Six months ahead of the debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo in January 2014, Hyundai Motorsport is in the process of carrying out an intensive test programme to evaluate and develop the i20 WRC on all terrains and conditions.
Hänninen won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge in 2010 followed by the FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship and the FIA European Rally Championship titles in 2011 and 2012 respectively. He will be a valuable asset for the team to prepare the assault to the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship.
Hyundai Motorsport will soon be in a position to announce a second test driver for the remainder of the 2013 test phase. 2014 drivers will be announced at the end of the year.
Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “We’re very pleased to welcome Juho on board for our 2013 test programme. I’m sure his experience and background will contribute to the project and I’m happy with the job he’s done so far.
We have decided to work with different drivers with unique skills and capabilities this year, which will provide us with valuable feedback for 2014.
Hänninen said: “I’m delighted to be part of the Hyundai Motorsport testing programme for this year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to work closely to a manufacturer and to give my contribution to this great challenge.
The first run with the i20 WRC was quite positive for me; I’m very impressed with the work the team has done so far in such an incredibly short space of time. I feel comfortable with everyone in the team and I look forward to carry on working with them in the next six months.”