Hyundai is getting ready for the 2014 WRC season; the i20 WRC will undergo intensive testing later this year and a number of key staff appointments have been made to oversee the technical, sporting and workshop aspects of the project. The new team members bring a range of motorsport experience including rallying, endurance and Formula 1.
Bertrand Vallat previously worked on the Peugeot 207 S2000 rally car and has been developing the i20 WRC since December. Engine manager Stephane Girard is a recent appointment with experience gained at Peugeot Sport, Maserati Corse and Subaru World Rally Team - Prodrive.
From 22nd April Alain Penasse will take the role of Team Manager. The 51-year old Belgian is another team member with previous experience at Peugeot Sport as well as Toyota Team Europe and Michelin. Penasse also organised Rally Ypres.
Heading the workshop is Ernst Kopp whose CV includes Toyota's rally, Le Mans and F1 projects. Having built the i20 WRC from scratch Ernst's next job is to recruit technical staff ready for testing this year and competition next year.