Driver Profile
From young driver to long-serving works team member
Spain’s Sordo first appeared in the WRC back in 2003 and claimed his first overall WRC victory at Rally Germany in 2013. He joined Hyundai at the end of 2013 as part of the manufacturer’s programme to return to the WRC in 2014, going on to become a long-standing and important member of its line-up.
Sordo was part of one of the crews that secured Hyundai’s one-two finish at Rally Germany in 2014. His career includes extensive experience in the top class, followed by selected-round programmes and rotating arrangements, so his contribution to the team cannot be judged solely by his number of appearances in any one year.
Sardinia victories and experience across different competitions
In 2019 and 2020, Sordo took consecutive victories at Rally Italia Sardegna, bringing Hyundai two wins on gravel. He also competed at the 2022 Acropolis Rally, where Hyundai swept the podium. These experiences help explain the team’s regard for his expertise on rough gravel rallies.
In 2025, he won the Portuguese Rally Championship driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, before returning to Hyundai’s Rally1 line-up in 2026. National championships, overall WRC results and car classes must be understood separately: his 2025 title was not the WRC drivers’ championship, but it shows that he continued competing after stepping away from that year’s top-class line-up.
The 2026 rotation and his Sardinia co-driver
In 2026, Sordo drives the No. 6 Hyundai i20 N Rally1, sharing the third car with Lappi and Paddon on a rotating basis. Cándido Carrera is his regular co-driver in the season’s programme. The crew competes for results on the rounds it contests and helps Hyundai accumulate manufacturers’ points in accordance with nominations and the regulations.
For the 2026 Rally Italia Sardegna, he is partnered by Patricia Sáiz Ruiloba. This change applies to a specific round and should be distinguished from descriptions of his regular crew. Ahead of the event, Sordo specifically highlighted the challenges posed by narrow roads and roadside rocks, making clear pace notes and precise driving equally important.
What to watch
Editorial analysis: Sordo is a useful driver to watch when studying how experienced competitors tackle rough gravel roads. Look at how he adjusts his lines on repeat passes through stages, manages tyres and the risk of damage to the car, and changes his pace when ahead or behind. His past victories in Sardinia provide context, but his eventual performance still depends on that year’s weather, road conditions and the execution of the crew as a whole. Past results should not be assumed to repeat themselves.
How results are recorded
Rally1 overall results, WRC2 class results, fastest stage times and full-season titles are recorded separately. This page is a snapshot of the available information. For the latest drivers’ and FIA manufacturers’ points, please consult this site’s standings.
Last checked: 1 October 2026 · Historical statistics and current points are maintained separately