The Finn was anticipated to reduce from a full-time programme for 2024 after Hyundai introduced the signing of Ott Tanak from M-Sport to companion the already-contracted Thierry Neuville on the South Korean marque.
Lappi and co-driver Janne Ferm joined Hyundai this 12 months after impressing in a part-time programme for Toyota final 12 months. Lappi has performed a key position in growing the i20N this season and scored a powerful string of podium finishes in Croatia, Portugal, Sardinia and Estonia. The second half of his marketing campaign has nevertheless included a run of three crashes within the final 4 occasions.
Lappi instructed Autosport that he had requested Hyundai for a part-time programme for subsequent 12 months.
“I did request a very long time in the past already to do a part-time if it may very well be attainable and the rationale for that’s that with my private life, it has been fairly difficult to handle the whole lot when I’m away on a regular basis.
“Final 12 months we did a part-time programme and it felt that the stability between my private {and professional} life was simpler.”
Photograph by: Crimson Bull Content material Pool
Esapekka Lappi, Hyundai World Rally Group
Lappi says he’s trying ahead to persevering with his position in growing the i20N throughout 2024 because the model seems to problem for the constructors’ title.
“I really feel very comfy within the crew; we now have constructed a improbable connection over this previous 12 months and we now have demonstrated we now have the bundle to achieve success,” mentioned Lappi.
“I nonetheless have the desire to develop and reach rallying shifting ahead, and I wish to win with this crew. Subsequent 12 months will definitely be totally different and attention-grabbing in some ways, which can encourage me to be a crew participant, in addition to search private success, in a bid for a stronger season in 2024.”
Hyundai is continuous to evaluate its choices to finish the motive force line-up that can share the third automobile with Lappi.
“We’re happy to announce the following piece of the 2024 puzzle with Esapekka and Janne remaining with our crew for the season forward,” mentioned Hyundai crew principal Cyril Abiteboul.
“Their position will probably be to assist Thierry and Ott within the championship, in addition to to concentrate on growing the automobile – one thing Esapekka has demonstrated he’s significantly good at this 12 months.
“We imagine this can be a formidable pressure that may assist us obtain our targets and convey dwelling extra wins.
“We’re nonetheless finalising the complete image for the season forward, and can announce our plans sooner or later, however for now we’re delighted to have such a powerful line-up on the helm of our WRC challengers.”