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Hyundai announces 2002 line-up
November 12, 2001
Hyundai has announced an entirely new driving squad for 2002, pairing 30-year-old Belgian Freddy Loix with four-times World Champion Juha Kankkunen.

Loix was one of rallying’s hottest properties when he drove for Toyota, but his fortunes have declined markedly since he joined Mitsubishi in 1999. He has never been at ease in the Lancer and after scoring a number of top-three results with Toyota, he has yet to improve on fourth at World Championship level with Mitsubishi.

“It gives me a good feeling to have a new challenge,” Loix said. I am looking forward to a lot development work and while the car has proved it is reliable, I expect to be able to help improve its speed.”

Some regard Loix as a surprise choice, but MSD chief David Whitehead maintains that his potential has yet to be tapped.

“He hasn’t shone at Mitsubishi, but I know him from the Opel days, I think he’s a fine driver, and he can shine and will. We’re taking Freddy on his own merit,” he commented.

Kankkunen drove for the team on the Rally Finland and ran in the top 10 for a while, but he doesn’t want to contest a full programme and will therefore attempt only the nine dirt rallies, which means that Hyundai must still nominate another driver for the entire season before November 30, a deadline set by the FIA.

Bron: http://www.worldrallynews.com