Sordo on the cusp of a new deal to remain with South Korean manufacturer
Spaniard Dani Sordo is expected to remain with Hyundai for a seventh season in 2020 – despite reported advances for his services from Toyota.
The 36-year-old told MN he feels comfortable and happy with his current employer.
“It’s very close with Hyundai,” Sordo said. “For me it’s close because I feel really good with the people, they respect me a lot, they consider me in everything. For me I am happy with [Hyundai Motorsport director Andrea] Adamo, everything is in the front with him. If you have a problem, I can tell you, ‘Hey, you are a f ***ing bastard,’ but after that we take a coffee and it’s fixed.”
Sordo dismissed talk of a move to Toyota, adding: “If Tommi [Makinen, Toyota team principal] really wants me then he needs to talk. Adamo comes to me and he says I want you. It’s normal, if I want something from you then I ask you – this is the normal way. I don’t care, I have no problem with Tommi – he’s nice, but I never have a chat face-to-face with him [about next season].”
Adamo described Sordo as a “strong option” for next season. With Sebastien Loeb under contract for a further six rallies next year, the Italian needs to find a driver ready to run a part-programme – something that suits Sordo. Asked how likely Sordo was to remain, Adamo replied: “Let me say the other way around – I cannot see somebody better. That doesn’t mean that he remains here because I have no alternatives, I don’t want to be misunderstood.”