ENNI MÄLKÖNEN Becomes Key Part of Hyundai’s 2026 WRC Championship Push

December 5, 2025

• ENNI MÄLKÖNEN gets her shot at the big leagues as Hyundai taps the 2024 WRC2 co-drivers’ champion for their 2026 championship assault. After winning the Finnish Rally Championship with Esapekka Lappi in their first year together, she’s earned her place in the third-car rotation that’ll support Neuville and Fourmaux.
• While the men get the headlines, MÄLKÖNEN’s championship credentials speak for themselves – and Hyundai clearly recognizes talent when they see it. Her pairing with Lappi proved itself immediately, taking the Finnish title despite only starting their partnership at Arctic Lapland Rally in January.
• The strategic third-car sharing arrangement with Sordo/Carrera and Paddon/Kennard shows Hyundai’s playing it smart for the final Rally1 regulations year. But having a reigning WRC2 co-drivers’ champion in the mix? That’s the kind of move that wins manufacturers’ titles, and we’re here for MÄLKÖNEN getting the recognition she’s earned.

hyundai motorsport, junior world rally championship, rally1, wrc2