So there’s some very interesting rumours surrounding Tanak’s move to Hyundai, which is now confirmed and is a two year deal.
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/146849/neuville-would-welcome-tanak-as-teammate
“I am very open. As I said to you before, I prefer to have Tanak in a Hyundai than against me in a Toyota”
What Neuville hasn’t said is whether he’d be in a Hyundai himself. He was seen leaving Toyota’s tent at the end of the Spanish rally.
I honestly can’t see how Neuville /wouldn’t/ be the number 2 driver at Hyundai next year. And for someone who has challenged hard for (and come close to winning ) the championship for the last three years, that must seem unacceptable.
There’s also rumours surrounding Ogier moving to Toyota too, as it seems even he can’t wrestle the Citroen into submission (which goes some way to vindicating Kris Meeke), and he absolutely wants his final season to be much better than this one.
I don’t think both can go to Toyota; there’s just not the budget. I think MSport may have a lot to say about this too. They still have a great car, and I can easily see Ogier returning there for his finale.
Once we see where those two go, then there will be a rapid set of deals done with the other drivers I think.
There may be some teams copying Hyundai and running a third car with two drivers sharing it for the season, which had massive benefits in terms of running order for each rally.
It’s paid off so far for Hyundai with one rally to go.
It’s really fascinating.
