The two will join Thierry Neuville and 2019 world champion Ott Tanak, completing the lineup of the Korean brand for the new hybrid era of the WRC.
Solberg, who is the son of former world champion Petter, had been listed as the favorite for the third car, having impressed in the outings he has made this season behind the wheel of the WRC, the third of which will be the Rally de Spain of this month.
Similarly, Sordo joked last month that his plans for 2022 would come as a surprise, but his confirmation finally came with the Korean brand, for which he has been racing since 2014, albeit with a part-time program. -time.
For Solberg, this will be his first major engagement in the premier class of the World Championship, as the 20-year-old has focused his efforts on a WRC2 program with Hyundai this season.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to get into the third WRC to do select events alongside Dani Sordo. It’s really cool,” said Solberg, who tested Hyundai’s 2022 prototype last month.
“There are also the other teammates, Thierry and Ott, who are great drivers to learn from and who have a lot of experience. I’m only 20 years old, so it’s a huge step, which happens so early in my career.”
“I am really looking forward to doing it and to find out what events I will be doing. I am thrilled to be driving in the new era, that of Rally1; it is definitely a special time to be involved in the WRC.”
After spending the past three years sharing the car with new M-Sport driver Craig Breen, confirmed this morning, Sordo is looking forward to working with a new rising star like Solberg.
“I have said many times that Hyundai Motorsport is like family to me, so I am delighted to continue my career with them in the new hybrid era of WRC,” said Sordo.
“We have worked together for many years and have shared some important moments. I am looking forward to more as we prepare for new challenges.”
It is important to have continuity as we tackle new regulations, but we are also fortunate to have new talent like Oliver in this new adventure. I’m excited”.
Hyundai boss Andrea Adamo added: “We are delighted to confirm Dani and Oliver in our third car for next season, alongside Thierry and Ott.”
“Not only will Dani drive in a select number of events, but he will also work with us in the events where Oliver will race.”
“His approach to racing and his vast experience will be a great asset to our team when our learning curve with the new regulations is high.”
“We will have important continuity and mutual trust; it is also good to have fresh blood like Oliver, alongside the experience that our existing crews will bring.”
“We will undoubtedly have a very strong lineup as we embark on a new chapter for Hyundai Motorsport.”
It is not yet clear, however, how events will be divided between Solberg and Sordo in the upcoming season.
Team | Car | Pilots | Race number |
---|---|---|---|
Hyundai Motorsport | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | Thierry Neuville | 11 |
Ott Tanak | 8 | ||
Daniel Sordo | 6 | ||
Oliver Solberg | 2 | ||
Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 | Kalle Rovanpera * | 69 |
Elfyn Evans * | 33 | ||
Takamoto Katsuta * | 18 | ||
Esapekka Lappi * | 4 | ||
Sébastien Ogier * | 1 | ||
M-Sport Ford WRT | Ford Puma Rally1 | Adrien Fourmaux * | 16 |
Craig Breen | 42 | ||
? | ? | ||
2C Compétition | Hyundai i20 N Rally1 | ? | ? |
* Still to be formalized
Oliver Solberg, Hyundai Motorsport
Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images