Hyundai eyes works British Rally Championship entry with new i20 R5
Hyundai could join the British Rally Championship later this season with a factory entry for its new i20 R5
The i20 has tested extensively with World Rally Championship crew Kevin Abbring and Seb Marshall, and makes its public debut as a course car on the European Rally Championship's Ypres Rally this weekend.
Team manager Alain Penasse says the final two BRC rounds in Ulster and the Isle of Man in August and September could be the machine's competitive debut.
"It's possible that we will come to some rounds of the British Rally Championship," Penasse told Autosport.
"I know there are two Tarmac rallies later in the year and we are looking into this.
"The most important thing for us is to follow the test dates for the R5 car and if an event fits into that programme, then why not?
"Kevin would most likely be driving."
If Hyundai enters the season-concluding Manx Rally in September, Abbring could be up against WRC rival Mads Ostberg - who is considering contesting the event to improve his pace on asphalt.
Providing it is homologated by the FIA before any potential BRC entry, the i20 would complete the set of current R5 cars seen in the revived series.
The latest Citroen, Peugeot, Skoda and M-Sport Ford models have all featured already.
TITLE BATTLE MOVES TO SCOTLAND
Swede Fredrik Ahlin holds a surprise BRC lead going into Saturday's fourth round in Scotland, five points ahead of pre-season favourite Elfyn Evans.
A snapped alternator belt on the Circuit of Ireland and a puncture on the Pirelli Carlisle Rally cost WRC2 leader Evans - who had won the BRC opener in Wales - ground to Carlisle victor Ahlin.
This weekend in Scotland 2011 BRC champion David Bogie and twice WRC DMACK Trophy class runner-up Tom Cave are playing their double-points joker cards in a bid to enter the title battle with four rounds to go.
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