Grégoire Munster has taken an important step toward shaping his rally future after completing his first test in Hyundai’s Rally1 car. The Belgian driver, who previously competed in the World Rally Championship’s top category with M-Sport Ford, recently had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of Hyundai’s premier machine during private running in Germany.
Munster spent the last two seasons driving the Ford Puma Rally1 in WRC’s highest class. However, he did not continue with M-Sport for the current campaign, a move that likely would have required significant personal financial backing. Instead, he shifted his focus toward exploring new opportunities — with Hyundai emerging as a potential destination.
Hyundai’s Third Car Plans and Missed Opportunity
Earlier this year, Munster was targeting a part-time role with Hyundai’s WRC squad. The Korean manufacturer ultimately chose Esapekka Lappi, Hayden Paddon, and Dani Sordo to rotate in the team’s third Rally1 entry. That decision left Munster without a seat at Hyundai for the start of the season.
Despite this setback, Munster remained active. He competed in the opening round of the championship at Rally Monte Carlo in a Ford Puma Rally1, using the event as an opportunity to demonstrate his pace and underline his credentials — particularly in light of Hyundai’s decision to sign Paddon instead.
Private Rally1 Test in Germany
According to Belgian outlet Autotrends, Munster completed roll-out tests with Hyundai’s Rally1 car last week in Germany. These sessions, typically used for shakedown and systems checks, offered Munster his first direct experience of Hyundai’s top-tier machinery.
Further roll-out outings are reportedly planned later in the season, suggesting that the collaboration between driver and manufacturer may extend beyond a one-off test. While no official competition program in Rally1 has been confirmed, the test signals that communication between both parties remains active.
Focus Shifts to WRC2 Campaign with Hyundai Rally2
Looking ahead, Munster is expected to campaign Hyundai’s Rally2 car in the WRC2 category. His program is set to include key asphalt rallies such as Croatia, the Canary Islands, and Japan. Additional events may be added depending on his performance in the championship’s second tier.
This would mark a return to familiar territory. Munster previously drove a Hyundai Rally2 car during the 2022 season before switching to M-Sport machinery. A renewed partnership would also align with family ties — his father, Bernard Munster, operates the BMA team, which has run Hyundai cars since 2021.
WRC Regulation Changes Open New Opportunities
The timing of this move could prove significant. The World Rally Championship’s top class is preparing for major regulatory changes in 2027, when the new WRC27 technical framework will be introduced. Notably, Rally2 cars will become eligible to compete in the top category under the revised rules.
Hyundai has not yet committed to building a car specifically for the WRC27 regulations. Instead, the manufacturer is concentrating its efforts on refining and developing its existing Rally2 platform. This strategy could create an opening for drivers like Munster to play a role not only in competition but also in development work.
By focusing on WRC2 this season, Munster is positioning himself strategically — aiming to prove his pace, consistency, and value within Hyundai’s structure at a time when Rally2 machinery is set to gain greater prominence.
Eyes on the Next WRC Round
As Munster shapes his plans for the remainder of the year, the World Rally Championship continues with its next round in Sweden this weekend. While he may not yet have secured a full-time Rally1 seat with Hyundai, his recent test suggests that his ambitions in the sport’s top tier are far from over.
