Hyundai i20 WRC Completes Its First Road Test (+ Video)

After being put through its paces at its new headquarters, the high performance Hyundai i20 WRC has been removed from the workshop and onto the road by Hyundai Motorsport.

The end result of the time on the road was a success, with the i20 WRC performing well on the test track in Alzenau, Germany.

The Hyundai Motorsport team reported to significant issues with the car after testing. That testing will now go to the next level as the team preps for the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) World Rally Championship in 2014.

First WRC Road Test Video

The shakedown was performed over 3 days and 550-kilometers, which was followed by a detailed testing session.

A number of different set-ups were attempted, with all the data gathered and sent to the engineers at the Hyundai Motorsport facility.

The team looked at all aspects of the car, but particular attention was given to getting feedback on the i20 WRC’s 1.6L turbocharged engine.

Michel Nandan, Team Principal, said that seeing the car put through its paces on the road was an emotional moment for the team.

He went on to say that while excitement was high, there was still plenty of testing to be done before 2013 was over.

The i20 WRC will hit a number of different locations across the US so that the car can be tested in a variety of different road conditions and terrains.

The hope is that the i20WRC will get to experience many of the conditions it will face during the World Rally Championship.

It’s looking like being a busy schedule for the Hyundai i20 WRC, but one that is required so that the car can be ready to compete at the Monte Carlo Rally in January 2014.