Italy
Sweden
France
The announcement came following shakedown at FORUM8 Rally Japan on Thursday morning. He will join Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak, the latter of whom returned to the German-based squad following one season with M-Sport Ford.
Hyundai have not yet announced whom Lappi will share the car with or what events he will contest.
“I still have the will to develop and succeed in rallying moving forward, and I would like to win with this team,” expressed Lappi in Hyundai’s announcement. “Next year will certainly be different and interesting in many ways, which will motivate me to be a team player, as well as seek personal success, in a bid for a stronger season in 2024.”
Hyundai Motorsport President Sean Kim of re-signing Lappi: “He has demonstrated strong potential this season but there is definitely unfinished business, so we are delighted he will remain with us with the inner drive to put that right. All three of our confirmed crews are incredibly talented and know what it takes to win in WRC, underscoring the strength of our intentions.”
Kim’s comments were echoed by Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “[Lappi and Ferm’s] role will be to support Thierry and Ott in the championship, as well as to focus on developing the car – something Esapekka has demonstrated he is particularly good at this year.”
Abiteboul continued: “We are still finalising the full picture for the season ahead, and will announce our plans in due course, but for now we are delighted to have such a strong line-up at the helm of our WRC challengers.”