Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak have signed "multi-year deals" to remain with Hyundai for the World Rally Championship's new hybrid era starting in 2022, the team announced Thursday.

Belgian Neuville, 32, has been with Hyundai since 2014 and is a five-time runner-up in the WRC. Estonia's Tanak, 33, joined the team last year after winning the 2019 title driving for Toyota.

Cars in the WRC will use only sustainable fuel from next season. 

Neuville is second to defending champion and seven-time winner Sebastien Ogier after three rounds of the 2021 season. Tanak, who won February's Arctic Rally in Finland, is fourth overall.

The next event on the 12-race calendar is the Portugal Rally from May 20-23. 

Organisers on Thursday told AFP it would be open to the public despite Covid-19 restrictions as it would "inevitably be followed by a significant numbers of fans".

However national health officials have requested organisers limit the number of spectators and ensure social-distancing measures are respected.