Hyundai filling more top level positions

Hyundai has announced several important positions within their new WRC programme have been filled, by people who have vast experience in the top level of the sport.

“We’ve been evolving rapidly since the beginning of the year and made great progress in filling all the main roles to establish our core team. We’re facing a big and exciting challenge in building a team from scratch and we have now only nine months to prepare for next year. I’m now surrounded by the best people in the business and I’m confident we’ll be ready to meet our ambitious goal to be ready at the start of the 2014 FIA World Rally Championship.” said Team Principal, Michal Nandan.

Since Hyundai announced their return to the top level of the WRC back in September 2012, they have wasted to time in getting a team set up, a car on the road and then in development. The team have been testing an 'interim' version of the i20 WRC since late December.

Michal Nandan was announced as Team Principal in January, around the time the i20 WRC was first shown to a small group of the media. Now, however, more names of the new team members have been announced.

Bertrand Vallat: Involved in the design of the massively successful Peugeot 207 S2000 and the new 208 R5, Vallat has actually been working with the i20 WRC programme since last December. He will take up the role of Chief Designer.

Stephane Girand: Hyundai's new engine manager. Formerly an employee of the Subaru World Rally Team, Peugeot Sport and Citroen Sport, he brings massive experience to the fledgling team. The engine's powering the DS3 WRCs are known for their 'pull' out of tight corners, so Girand's help could give the new car an edge here.

Alain Penasse: The Belgian will take up the position of Team Manager later this month, and is linked with TTE, Peugeot Sport and tyre supplier Michelin. He has also has helped in organising the infamous Ypres Rally.

Hyundai are still yet to announce a driver line-up, and they are presented with a driver market that is bursting at the seams with new talent. GRN will be compiling a list of drivers who we think deserve a Hyundai seat soon, so stay tuned!