Hyundai enjoyed its first ever podium lock-out in Lamia last season, but had to content itself with Dani Sordo’s sole third place after three days on the rough Greek gravel earlier this month.
Abiteboul was candid about the Alzenau team’s aspirations in Lamia, saying: “The whole team wanted to do well at Acropolis Rally, particularly as it was the best result of the season in 2022, and we all wanted to replicate that success.
“We are all a bit disappointed with the overall result. We still demonstrated that the car was working, the team was well prepared, and the crews were highly motivated.”
Two of the three rallies are returning or new, with Chile back next week and Central Europe Rally making its debut on the itinerary in October before a season-closing Rally Japan – where Thierry Neuville headed Ott Tänak in a strong one-finish to 2023.
Abiteboul added: “We will focus our efforts on fighting for wins in the final events of the season. Everyone in the team knows we are on a steep learning curve and to do well next year, we need to push as hard as we can this season.”
Finland
Italy
Hungary