Anti-lag system points affected all three Hyundais in Monte Carlo, with Tanak hit the worst by the issue that crew principal Cyril Abiteboul admitted was exacerbated by the 2019 world champion’s driving model.
Hyundai has since recognized the problem however it’s possible the issue will solely be utterly rectified by the homologation of latest software program which Hyundai plans to have in place in time for the subsequent asphalt rally in Croatia in April.
Nonetheless, because of the nature of the snow-covered roads in Sweden, Hyundai and Tanak are assured the problem will not be an element this weekend.
“Usually it needs to be a lot much less of a problem. It’s fairly chilly right here and far sooner so it should not be a drama,” Tanak instructed Motorsport.com.
Abiteboul added: “We managed to grasp the issue and it’s a actual drawback. It isn’t like it’s due to the way in which he’s driving, sure, it’s extra seen on his automotive due to the way in which he’s driving, however it’s a drawback that must be addressed on our facet.
“It is going to be addressed but it surely in all probability requires the homologation of a brand new software program which couldn’t happen earlier than Sweden.
Ott Tänak, Martin Järveoja, Hyundai World Rally Crew Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photograph by: Austral / Hyundai Motorsport
“The excellent news is that we do not anticipate the identical sort of situation due to the grip stage so that ought to not have an excessive amount of of an impression right here, but it surely must be addressed earlier than the subsequent tarmac rally.”
Waiting for Rally Sweden, Abiteboul has recognized that returning world champion Kalle Rovanpera would be the rally favorite. However the Frenchman is assured his drivers Tanak, Thierry Neuville and the returning Esapekka Lappi, making his first begin of the 12 months, can combat.
“Right here it’s a very completely different problem and our set-up has been robust prior to now right here,” mentioned Abiteboul.
“The automotive has been robust on snow and Ott has gained this rally a few instances and Esapekka has been able to exhibiting very robust tempo, so let’s examine.
“We all know we have now a really robust competitor in Kalle and it is rather clear that he’s the person to beat. We want to consider making an attempt to beat him if we are able to, however we additionally want to consider the championship.”
Monte Carlo winner and championship chief Neuville has set himself the goal of a podium given he’ll face the drawback of beginning first on the street.
The Belgian has nevertheless revealed that his pre-event check did not go solely to plan after struggling software program points that Abiteboul described as “nothing too substantial”.
Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Crew
Photograph by: Vincent Thuillier / Hyundai Motorsport
“An appropriate return [from Sweden] is tough to say, however my goal is a podium,” Neuville instructed Motorsport.com.
“I had a check but it surely was not very first rate. We did not get a lot operating and we had some hassle, so we did not get all of the work carried out. We had hassle making an attempt new software program stuff and it took a while to get it to work correctly.
“However trying ahead it’s onerous to guage what circumstances we are going to face now. It appears like it’s going to be tougher than we hoped for however we knew it was going to be the case from the Sunday in Monte Carlo, so I am ready for it.”
