The Hyundai Motorsport WRC Team announced on Thursday ahead of the start of the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship season next weekend in Monte Carlo that former Caterham and Renault F1 Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul has joined the outfit as their new Team Principal.
Hyundai Motorsport President Sean Kim said:
“I am pleased to welcome Cyril Abiteboul into the Hyundai family. Cyril’s experience in Formula One will help us to explore new opportunities for growth and improvements as we look to mount a more intensive fight for titles in WRC and to support our Customer Racing teams. We will deliberately give him time to settle in, discover the environment and, in time, to make the Team Principal role his own. I would like to extend my thanks to Julien Moncet, who took on the deputy role last season with determination. Under his guidance, we secured five victories and built strong momentum in the second part of the year. I have no doubt that Hyundai Motorsport’s technical personnel, along with Cyril, will demonstrate stronger and clearer leadership in the future by co-operating closely with the Global R&D of Hyundai Motor Company.”
Vice President and Head of N Brand Management & Motorsport Sub-Division at Hyundai Motor Company, Till Wartenberg said:
“Our ambition has always been for motorsport to act as a halo for the entire Hyundai brand. To deliver against our winning objectives, we need to be constantly on top of our game, bringing together the right blend of people and experience. We are delighted to have someone of Cyril Abiteboul’s calibre joining Hyundai Motorsport. He will bring a fresh perspective to the business from his time in Formula One, which we are sure will add value in all areas. We already have a talented team of individuals at Alzenau, and we are sure this appointment will only amplify the excellent work that is taking place.”
Cyril Abiteboul said:
“I am relishing the opportunity to join Hyundai Motorsport as Team Principal from 2023. In motorsport, like in the rest of their activities, the Hyundai brand is cautiously building its leadership. I am excited at the prospect of being part of it, managing the WRC and Customer Racing programs, where the team has already proven to be strong competitors. I am looking forward to immersing myself into the rallying community and discovering more about this spectacular sport. Hyundai has given me its full support to make the transition into this role a smooth one. I can’t wait to get started.
Hyundai head into the new season aiming to build on a solid 2022 season.