Hyundai
Shell continues its exciting and successful partnership with Hyundai Motorsport in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), building on Thierry Neuville’s 2024 Drivers' Championship victory.
Shell continues Hyundai Motorsport WRC partnership with three-year extension
Shell and Hyundai Motorsport have officially announced the extension of its long-standing partnership to remain the title sponsor and technical partner of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) outfit for a further three years.
Changing the terrain in the World Rally Championship
As the Co-Title Sponsor and Technical Partner of the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, Shell has supported Hyundai Motorsport’s lubricant needs since they joined the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2014 — bringing high-performance innovation to one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas.
Our partnership with Hyundai
Shell and Hyundai have been partners since 2005, when a Global Cooperation Agreement laid the foundation for deeper collaboration. That ambition became reality in 2014 when Shell became Technical Partner to Hyundai Motorsport in WRC, co-engineering advanced lubricants to help drive championship-winning performance — including back-to-back Manufacturer titles in 2019 and 2020, and most recently, Thierry Neuville’s 2024 Driver’s Championship victory.
With rallies taking place across extreme environments — from sub-zero temperatures in Sweden to the blistering heat of Kenya — Shell Helix Ultra has been pushed to the limit. From icy gravel to scorching tarmac, Shell’s race lubricants are designed to maintain engine cleanliness, reduce wear, and protect under the toughest conditions. Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology delivers optimal viscosity, performance, and durability, ensuring reliability even when engine loads and terrain shift rapidly.
Thanks to this relentless performance, Hyundai Motorsport has enjoyed total engine reliability since entering the WRC with Shell. And with the evolution of the hybrid era from 2022 to 2024, Shell supported Hyundai with a bespoke hybrid race lubricant, built specifically for the i20 N Rally1 Hybrid. The learnings and data — over 14,000 points analysed through Shell’s rigorous post-race testing — have further advanced the formulation of both race and road-ready products.
In 2025, the challenge evolves again. With new regulations removing hybrid units, Hyundai’s latest Rally1 car is powered exclusively by a 1.6L turbocharged internal combustion engine running on 50% sustainable fuel. Across 14 rallies in four continents, Shell’s specialists will continue to deliver elite lubricant solutions — from gear oils and greases to hydraulic fluids and engine oils — all tailored to meet the technical demands of world-class rallying.
Shell’s work in WRC is more than competition — it’s a testbed for the road. Everything Shell’s scientists learn alongside Hyundai Motorsport is channelled back into products like Shell Helix Ultra, helping everyday drivers benefit from cutting-edge performance and protection, no matter the climate or terrain.
Meet the team
Thierry & Martijn
2024 WRC drivers’ and co-drivers’ champions Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe return to Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team for 2025. The Belgian duo’s impressive triumph marked their first-ever drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, achieved through relentless consistency and determination. Thierry’s exceptional talent, combined with Martijn’s precision, resulted in eight victories and 26 podium finishes in their first five years together, firmly establishing them as a leading force in the championship.
Adrien & Alexandre
French pairing Adrien Fourmaux and Alexandre Coria make their Hyundai Motorsport debut at the beginning of the 2025 season. Since teaming up in 2021, the duo quickly established their credentials, securing the British Rally Championship title in 2023 with five victories. Their impressive pace and adaptability have already yielded WRC podium finishes, notably in Rally Sweden. Adrien and Alexandre now aim to further their achievements, bringing fresh energy and a determined mindset to Hyundai’s pursuit of success in Kenya, Poland, Finland, Japan, and beyond.
Ott & Martin
Estonian duo Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja enter 2025 determined to build upon their strong performances and title challenge from the 2024 season. With nine victories together, Ott and Martin have consistently showcased their remarkable ability to conquer diverse rally conditions. Memorable moments include a standout home victory and multiple podium finishes, significantly contributing to Hyundai’s sustained challenge in the manufacturers' championship. Their resilience and hunger for victory remain stronger than ever as they embark on the new season.
