The World Rally Championship (WRC) heads to Portugal this week for its first pure gravel rally of the season, and for Hyundai, it's an opportunity to turn their 2026 campaign around. The South Korean team has faced significant challenges, struggling to extract the necessary speed from their i20 N Rally1, which has a narrow operating window.
Challenging Start for Hyundai
Hyundai’s performance has been lackluster so far this season. The team has not been able to capitalize on the full potential of their car, leading to a series of underwhelming results. This contrasts with their rivals at Toyota, who have made notable strides and are performing well.
The Importance of Rally Portugal
Rally Portugal is crucial for Hyundai as it marks the beginning of the gravel rallies, which are known for their unique challenges and opportunities. The team hopes that this event will be a turning point, allowing them to demonstrate their true capabilities and start closing the gap with competitors like Toyota.
