Hyundai boss Abiteboul named Lappi’s new co-driver?

In a surprising announcement just hours after the conclusion of Safari Rally, Hyundai Motorsport has revealed that team principal Cyril Abiteboul will step in to co-drive Esapekka Lappi for the remainder of 2024.

The news, 'confirmed' on 1 April, will see Abiteboul accompany the Finn aboard his i20 N Rally1 car on selected rounds of this year’s FIA World Rally Championship, per Lappi’s schedule as a part-time driver for the team.

But how believable is that?

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Janne Ferm, who has partnered Lappi since 2010, is allegedly stepping back to pursue his passion for photography, WRC.com reports.

"HMSG would like to thank Janne for his commitment, dedication and contribution to the team’s achievements and success. Ferm who recently acquired glasses and can see a lot more, has decided to become a photographer for the team," reads the second part of the Hyundai Motorsport announcement on X, leaving many to believe it an April Fool's prank.

“We are facing a very particular situation with Janne,” Abiteboul told WRC.com. “Since he bought new glasses, he wants to start a photography career, and therefore we are faced with a situation where I have no choice but to step in as the co-driver to Esapekka.”

“The only challenge is that I have to learn Finnish over the next few weeks, but I’m very much up for that challenge. After being team principal and president, I will now be the first French-Finnish co-driver,” he continued.

Abiteboul gained his first taste of in-car action at Safari Rally last week when he joined Estonian driver Ott Tänak during a shakedown run. This did, indeed, happen.

“We did a practice on one of the most difficult terrains here in Kenya,” Tänak said. “He (Abiteboul) prepared hard, and he even got himself a new pair of overalls and helmet for it."

“He was fully into it and, actually, in the stage it worked quite well. It seemed like he was really excited afterward so everything makes sense.”