The European Rally Championship landscape is set for a major shake-up as French rally driver Stéphane Lefebvre inches closer to securing a full-time seat with Hyundai. With two-time ERC champion Hayden Paddon likely stepping away, Hyundai has been on the lookout for a strong contender to carry forward its rallying legacy. Lefebvre, a seasoned competitor with experience in the World Rally Championship appears to be the perfect fit for the role.
According to reports from Belgian motorsport outlet AutoTrends, Lefebvre is in advanced discussions with Hyundai and the Life Live team – founded by current WRC champion Thierry Neuville. If the deal goes through, Lefebvre will drive a Hyundai i20 N Rally2. Lefebvre is no stranger to Hyundai machinery, having previously driven the i20 N Rally2 in select events last season. He competed with the Belgian team, BMA, in the Ypres Rally winning the event.
A sign of the growing collaboration between Lefebvre and Neuville emerged recently at the Legend Boucles à Bastogne rally, where Neuville personally recommended Lefebvre to drive a Ford Escort MKII after Hyundai Motorsport declined Neuville’s participation in a non-Hyundai vehicle. This endorsement underscores Neuville’s confidence in Lefebvre’s abilities and hints at their growing professional partnership.
Although the final details of the ERC project are yet to be confirmed, Lefebvre remains optimistic. „Nothing is set in stone yet, but we believe in this project,” Lefebvre stated in an interview with AutoTrends.