In a thrilling culmination to an action-packed season, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe have etched their names into motorsport history by claiming Hyundai Motorsport’s first FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ titles. The dynamic Belgian duo sealed their victory in style during Rally Japan’s Sunday morning stages, marking a landmark achievement for the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team.

This championship is the culmination of Hyundai’s decade-long pursuit of rallying glory, and it’s safe to say, the wait was worth every second. Hyundai Motorsport’s goal at the start of the season was crystal clear: bring home the Drivers’ title for the first time. Mission accomplished, with a journey that’s nothing short of spectacular.

 2024 FIA World Rally Championship.Round 01, Rallye Monte-Carlo.24-28 January 2024..Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. .Photographer: Dufour Fabien.Worldwide copyright: Hyundai Motorsport GmbH
 DUFOUR FABIEN  

A Season of Consistency and Resilience

Neuville and Wydaeghe’s path to victory was paved with skill, determination, and a relentless drive for excellence. Leading the 2024 championship standings from the opening round, the pair showcased unmatched consistency in their Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. With two wins, six podium finishes, and 49 stage victories, their season was a testament to their mastery of the sport.

The season began with a bang at Rallye Monte-Carlo, where the Belgians claimed an emphatic victory. Strategic brilliance in Sweden and Kenya kept them ahead in the standings, while a dominant performance on tarmac in Croatia underlined their rally-winning potential. Despite setbacks, including a late-stage incident in Croatia and a technical issue in Japan, the team’s resilience shone through.

The Final Showdown in Japan

The season finale at Rally Japan encapsulated the drama and unpredictability that defines WRC. Starting Friday with a stage win, Neuville and Wydaeghe faced a setback that temporarily pushed them out of points contention. However, their Saturday comeback was nothing short of heroic, positioning them in seventh by the end of the day. Heading into Sunday, they needed just two points to clinch the championship. In a dramatic twist, their closest rivals, Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, crashed out in the morning’s first stage, securing the title for the Belgians.

A Decade in the Making

For Neuville, this championship is the crowning achievement of an 11-season partnership with Hyundai Motorsport. From his first podium finish at Rally México to this year’s triumph, Neuville’s journey with Hyundai has been nothing short of extraordinary. With 21 victories, 62 podiums, and 380 stage wins under his belt, his contributions to the team’s success are unparalleled.

Reflecting on his victory, Neuville shared, “To be standing here as the 2024 FIA WRC Drivers’ Champion is a dream come true. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at Hyundai Motorsport over the years. Martijn and I have built a strong partnership, and this title is as much his as it is mine.”

Wydaeghe echoed these sentiments, stating, “This weekend proved our strength lies in mental resilience. Despite setbacks, we never lost belief. This title belongs to the entire Hyundai Motorsport family.”

 2024 FIA World Rally Championship.Round 13, Rally Japan.21 - 24 November 2024.Thierry Neuville..Photographer: Austral.Worldwide copyright: Hyundai Motorsport GmbH
 Bastien Baudin 

A Team Effort

Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul lauded the team’s efforts: “We started the season with a clear mission: win the Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ championships. Thierry and Martijn’s unrelenting determination has delivered on that promise. This victory is a testament to years of dedication and teamwork.”

Shell’s Vice President for Global Key Accounts, Aysun Akik, also congratulated the champions, emphasizing the synergy between Neuville, Wydaeghe, and the Hyundai team as the cornerstone of this success.

Building a Legacy

Hyundai Motorsport’s journey in the WRC is one of perseverance and ambition. Since its inception in 2012, the team has steadily built a reputation for excellence, claiming manufacturers’ titles in 2019 and 2020. This latest triumph solidifies their place among rallying’s elite.

As the dust settles on the 2024 season, the triumph of Neuville and Wydaeghe serves as a beacon of what’s possible when skill meets determination. For Hyundai Motorsport, this is not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of a new era of dominance in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Congratulations to Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, and the entire Hyundai Motorsport team on this historic achievement!