Hyundai Makes WRC Debut

World Debut for Hyundai's Championship Contender This months New Zealand rally (24th-27th July) will herald the first appearance of Hyundai's latest challenger for formula 2 honours. The Hyundai Coupe Evo II, developed by UK based Motor Sport Developments in conjunction Hyundai's Technical Centre features a number of revisions designed to take advantage of the FIA Formula 2 Kit Car rules. The new cars are the first to be built from scratch by MSD at their Milton Keynes base. The team have entered two of the new cars for the event, for their regular drivers, Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson and Australia's Wane Bell. Kenneth won the event outright last year, and is confident that with the new car they have an opportunity to achieve similar success in the F2 category. " The New Zealand Rally." Said Kenneth " The fast flowing stages are a real challenge for the driver, but very satisfying when you get them right. I am looking forward to running our new car on them; with the increased power we have improved the handling characteristics." Kenneth has been a key member of the development team working on the new car and for the past couple of months he has been involved in a rigorous testing schedule. His experience and knowledge of the top-flight rallying has also been a key part of the new car's development process. "Kenneth's input has been invaluable." Believes Tim Ashton, MSD's Technical Director. " His experience, gained from many years at the top of the sport, with some of the most successful teams and cars proved invaluable. We are confident that we have a car that is capable of winning our class." The team have a comprehensive test session planned prior to the start of the rally, when both drivers will be able to experience the car first hand on the unique roads that make up the New Zealand Rally. Based round the Northern City of Auckland, the New Zealand Rally covers over 388 Kilometres of fast, flowing special stages, including a unique stage held in the centre of Auckland on the evening of the start of the Rally.