WRC
Tänak: More to come from Hyundai’s upgraded i20 N Rally1
Ott Tänak believes Hyundai’s latest-specification i20 N Rally1 is only just getting started, with even greater performance to come as the season unfolds.
The Korean manufacturer has been refining the car since mid-2023, with key upgrades - including revised suspension and improved weight distribution - making their competitive debut at Rally Sweden last week.
Tänak, who briefly led the snow-covered event after SS7, ultimately finished fourth — just 4.9sec behind Hyundai team-mate Thierry Neuville. While victory eluded him, the 2019 world champion saw clear potential in the updated machine.
“Friday was not the greatest day,” reflected Tänak, “but we were still very much fighting for the victory. On Saturday, we lost some time driving in a safer mode through the stages. On Sunday we tried to catch the leaders, but on the second loop the road conditions were still cleaning so much.
Ott Tänak, Rally Sweden 2025
© WRC
I’m not sure we got the best out of the new car this weekend, but I would say when the car is working it’s nice to drive and we just have to put the package together now.
Despite Hyundai’s gains, Tänak acknowledged the strength of his former employer Toyota, which has made an impressive start to the season with 1-2 finishes at the opening two rounds.
“Toyota has been very strong, they are doing a good job and it’s something we need to catch up with.”
