Hyundai WRC Drivers.
Dani & Carlos.
Fifth in the all-time starts list and one of the most consistently performing teams in the WRC, this Spanish duo has been a core part of our Hyundai Motorsport team since joining at the end of 2013.
Dani Sardo.
Career.
A popular figure on the circuit, Dani’s relaxed nature and outgoing personality has won him fans far beyond the borders of his native Spain. He started his motorsport career at 12 with motocross and kart racing and has never looked back since. Vastly experienced and arguably one of the most consistent performers in the WRC, he has been a core part of our Hyundai Motorsport team since joining at the end of 2013. Fifth in the all-time starts list, he has secured several podiums over the years, including our milestone 1-2 finish in Germany in 2014 and a victory in Sardinia in 2019. When he’s not busy behind the wheel, Dani keeps fit by cycling.
Recent highlights.
2019
Several rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai (8)
Best result: 1st overall, Rally Italia Sardegna
Final classification: 8th
2018
Several rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai (7)
Best result: 2nd overall, Rally Mexico, 3rd overall, Rally Argentina
Final classification: 9th
2017
Several rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai (12)
Best result: 3rd overall, Tour de Corse and Rally Portugal
Final classification: 6th
My motorsport icon is Ayrton Senna.
Interests.
Cycling is only second to rallying.
Facts about Dani.
01. What is your ideal destination for a holiday?
I would like to go to New York and a warm place like the Seychelles.
02. Which profession would you have chosen if you hadn’t become a rally driver?
I would have joined the family business, as my parents were Shell oil distributers for the automotive business.
03. What is your favourite food?
I always enjoy a good pasta or a nice piece of meat, something you can find all over the world.
04. Describe yourself in 3 words:
Consistent, relaxed, sportive.
Carlos del Barrio.
Career.
With over 25 years of experience in WRC events, Carlos has built an enviable reputation. His first event as a co-driver was in the Rally Vidal de la Peña in 1987. But it was not until 1994, upon teaming up with Jesus Puras, that he rose to the WRC ranks. The pair achieved tremendous success in his native Spain by securing three Spanish Rally Championships. He first joined young Dani Sardo in 2004 for a four-event programme. The pair came together again in 2018 to secure podiums in Argentina and Mexico and a total of six top-five results from eight starts.
Recent highlights.
2019
Several rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai (8)
Best result: 1st overall, Rally Italia Sardegna
Final classification: 8th
2018
Several rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship with Hyundai (7)
Best result: 2nd overall, Rally Mexico, 3rd overall, Rally Argentina
Final classification: 9th
2017
Several rounds of the Spanish National Championship (9) / Driver Surhayen Pernía (ESP)
Best result: 3rd overall, Rallye Villa de Llanes
Final classification: 4th
Valentino Rossi, without a doubt, is my favourite motorsport driver.
Interests.
Athletics. He often competes in half marathon events, as well as shorter and longer distances (He has a marathon PB of 3h12).
Facts about Carlo.
01. What is your ideal destination for a holiday?
If I had company, I’d say Playa Blanca, Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, but if it were a solo trip I would choose Madrid.
02. Which profession would you have chosen if you hadn’t become a rally driver?
I would say theatre performer. I studied theatre when I was at university.
03. What is your favourite food?
Tomato salad, breaded hake and mint ice-cream. To drink, sparkling water and a glass of red wine.
04. Describe yourself in 3 words:
Friendly rally co-driver.
