Hyundai Motor Company Wins 2024 WRC Driver Title... Thierry Neuville Ranks First Overall

Hyundai Motor Company secured the final victory in the driver category of the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. This is the first time Hyundai has won the driver category since returning to the WRC in 2014.

Hyundai announced on the 24th that it achieved the 2024 WRC season driver and co-driver category victories following the final round held from the 21st to the 24th in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, Japan.

The WRC Japan Rally began in 2004 in Hokkaido, was temporarily suspended after 2010, and returned in the 2022 season. Previously, it was a "gravel rally" on unpaved roads in Hokkaido, but now it has changed to a "tarmac rally" on paved roads in central Japan’s Aichi and Gifu prefectures.

Known for its narrow roads and numerous corners, the Japan Rally features mountain asphalt roads that are narrower and more winding than those in Europe, and sections covered with fallen leaves make it difficult to secure grip, requiring a high level of driving skill.

Thierry Neuville, a driver for the Hyundai World Rally Team competing with the 'i20 N Rally1 Hybrid' race car, completed the rally smoothly with stable driving, securing the season driver category victory and marking the grand finale of the journey.

Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun poses for a commemorative photo on the 24th with driver Thierry Neuville (front row right on the car), who won the driver’s championship after the WRC Japan Rally, along with executives and employees. Photo by Hyundai Motor Company

Thierry Neuville, who stood on the podium six times this season, recorded first place in the season driver category for the first time in his career, and this is also the first time a Hyundai World Rally Team driver has won the driver category.

Thierry Neuville, who has been active on the team since Hyundai’s return to the WRC in 2014, overcame the disappointment of finishing third in the driver category for three consecutive years (2021?2023) to claim the driver champion title.

Martijn Wydaeghe, who competed as co-driver alongside Neuville and demonstrated excellent teamwork, also ranked first in the season co-driver category.

Thierry Neuville said, "I have worked hard for a long time to win the driver category, and I am indescribably happy to see the fruits of that effort. I am grateful to the entire team who worked hard together, and I feel like this year is the reward for giving my all every time."

Additionally, the Hyundai World Rally Team scored a total of 558 points this season thanks to the balanced performance of its drivers, finishing second overall in the manufacturer category and signaling a promising outlook for the next season. Having successfully completed the 2024 WRC, Hyundai plans to further elevate its brand status while focusing on vehicle performance development, advancing motorsports culture, and accelerating efforts to deliver new customer experiences.

A Hyundai official said, "It was a meaningful season that set the record for the first WRC driver and co-driver category victories," adding, "We will strive to show an impressive performance to motorsports fans again next season."