ERC Junior star Huttunen gets Hyundai chance

A contender for the ERC Junior U27 title on next week’s Rally Liepāja, Huttunen will be rewarded with a programme of world championship events in a Hyundai New Generation i20 R5 alongside a series of tests next season having excelled during a two-stage assessment process in recent weeks.

“It’s obviously a huge honour to be selected as the winning candidate for the Hyundai Motorsport Driver development Program,” said the 23-year-old Finn. “There were a lot of very talented drivers involved, with more experience than me, so to be chosen is a nice surprise. To be able to draw on the support from such a successful team will allow me to focus fully on my driving and training and continue to improve my performance behind the wheel. Though I only had a short time in the New Generation i20 R5 at the test I quickly felt comfortable and was able to push, even in the difficult conditions. Now I can concentrate on preparing over the coming months. I’m really excited for the year ahead.”

ERC Junior Under 28 driver Pepe López and former ERC Junior champion Emil Bergkvist were also considered for the drive.