Phoenix 24
Some careers fade quietly, yet his insists on returning to the starting line.
Madrid, December 2025
Spanish driver Dani Sordo will return to the World Rally Championship after Hyundai confirmed that the veteran will once again join its lineup for the upcoming season. The announcement marks the comeback of one of the most experienced figures in modern rallying, whose presence had been reduced in recent years as he transitioned into partial programs and selective events.
Hyundai stated that Sordo will take part in a shared program at the wheel of the i20 N Rally1, adding depth to the team’s structure for the new competitive cycle. His return follows internal adjustments at the manufacturer as it finalizes its driver rotation for the next championship. Team representatives emphasized that Sordo’s experience offers strategic value, especially in rounds where consistency and terrain familiarity can influence manufacturer points.
Sordo’s trajectory in the WRC extends over two decades. After debuting in the early 2000s, he became a regular contender in the championship, accumulating podium finishes and consolidating a reputation for reliability across gravel, asphalt and mixed-surface rallies. His long tenure with Hyundai has included decisive contributions in the team’s most competitive years, reinforcing a relationship that has endured multiple formats and regulatory evolutions within the sport.
The driver had stepped away from a full program after recent seasons, focusing instead on occasional appearances. Despite this partial schedule, he remained closely linked to the team and continued to serve as a reference point for development work. His experience with Rally1 machinery and its hybrid systems made him a natural option for a tactical return.
Hyundai affirmed that the goal is to strengthen its overall capacity for the 2026 season, combining established drivers with profiles that offer race intelligence and adaptability. Sordo fits this role precisely. His return is expected to support the team in rounds where pressure, technical complexity or unpredictable weather conditions require calm decision-making behind the wheel.
Sordo expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that the opportunity to rejoin the championship represents a continuation of a career that still feels active. Although details of his rally schedule have not been fully disclosed, Hyundai indicated that his participation will be distributed across key events, ensuring both performance support and operational flexibility.
The announcement has been welcomed by followers of the World Rally Championship, who see in Sordo a symbol of endurance and professionalism. His comeback reinforces Hyundai’s ambitions for the upcoming season and restores to the grid a driver whose experience remains an asset in one of motorsport’s most demanding disciplines.
Phoenix24: journalism without borders. / Phoenix24: periodismo sin fronteras.