Hyundai confident for Safari adventure

Last time out, Ott Tänak and Dani Sordo delivered a double podium for the Korean manufacturer, bringing to an end what had been a tricky start to the 2022 season and the new generation of hybrid-powered Rally1 cars.

With a win on some of the roughest European gravel in the season already done, Moncet is looking forward to next week’s trip to Naivasha.

“What we did in Sardinia was a big relief for all of the team,” said Moncet. “We know it was a difficult start, we know we were a little bit late with the car, but now we are here. 

“Yes, we have more to do with the car and probably, we can’t get it all done before Kenya. But in Sardinia everybody had a competitive car and we know where our car is now.

“We are looking for a strong result in Kenya, it’s what we need to catch back more points to Toyota. We were all very motivated before, but now it’s even stronger. Like I said, the start was tough, but nobody gave up, we all stayed motivated and we saw the result of this [in Italy].”

Hyundai is no stranger to the front of the field at Safari Rally Kenya – Thierry Neuville led for all but two of the first 14 stages before suspension issues halted his i20 last year. Tänak made the podium with third, having been denied his chance of a win when his wipers failed on the final day.

The Alzenau-based team heads to round six of this season’s WRC 39 points behind series leader Toyota.