A Decade of N, Ice-Cold Rallies, and Livery That Shouts Louder Than a Snowstorm

Hyundai Motorsport has decided to play a masterstroke of nostalgia mixed with a dash of modern flair, launching a livery that’s as eye-catching as a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. Celebrating a decade of their performance division, the N brand, they’ve decided that their chariots of fire, the rally cars, will now sport an N decal so large, it’s practically screaming for attention on both sides. It’s like they’ve taken the essence of “Never Just Drive” and slapped it on with a giant sticker, because, let’s face it, subtlety is so last season.

This visual spectacle is set to make its grand debut at the Rally Sweden, turning the snowy backdrop into a canvas for Hyundai’s rolling piece of art. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with Hyundai’s rally team coming off a high from a thrilling victory at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. The previous winning livery, now a collector’s item, has passed the baton to this new design. It’s akin to retiring a jersey number in sports, but with more horsepower and less fabric.

Cyril Abiteboul, the grandmaster behind the Hyundai Motorsport team, has eloquently tied this launch with the Lunar New Year celebrations, calling it a “fresh beginning.” It’s a fitting metaphor, considering rallying is all about the thrill of the new, the excitement of the unknown, and occasionally, the terror of a tree coming at you faster than expected.

Meanwhile, Till Wartenberg, the vice president of the N Brand, seems to be on cloud nine, seeing the N logo taking center stage. It’s like watching your child take the first steps but at 200 km/h on snow and ice. The synergy between Hyundai’s high-performance cars and their rally counterparts is growing stronger, like a well-aged whiskey, better with time and just as intoxicating.

As the team gears up for Rally Sweden, the only snow event on the WRC calendar, they’re facing a mix of excitement and challenges. Snowbanks that can either be your best friend or your worst enemy, icy roads that demand respect, and night-time stages that turn the world into a high-speed shadow realm. It’s a test of skill, nerve, and how well you can dance on ice without looking like Bambi.

Leading Hyundai’s charge are the dynamic duos of Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe, Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja, and the returning Esapekka Lappi with Janne Ferm. Each crew brings their own flavor to the team, like ingredients in a rally stew, seasoned with experience, talent, and a dash of daredevilry.

The event’s itinerary is a rollercoaster of emotions, spanning over 300 km, featuring night stages, snow-covered roads, and a tribute to the late Craig Breen with the #42 Brattby stage. It’s a reminder of the sport’s highs and lows, its triumphs and tragedies.

As the teams prepare to tackle the frozen landscape of Umeå, the air is thick with anticipation. Will Hyundai’s new livery bring them luck, or will the snowbanks claim their prize? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: it’s going to be an unforgettable spectacle, a symphony of speed, skill, and snow, where every turn could be a tale of triumph or a cautionary tale. So, strap in, hold tight, and let the icy adventure begin!

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