Thierry Neuville returns to the charge

Thierry Neuville made an impression by winning the Tour de Corse this season in front of the leaders of the discipline. The pilot Peugeot currently occupies fifth place in the Championship after Rally Ypres, a real obstacle course for most of those involved. The Belgian was not present at the Azores Rally and has not competed in an event for two months.

Nevertheless, Thierry Neuville hopes to have maintained his level previously displayed on asphalt by drawing on his experience of the Barum Rally Zlin. “Not having done a rally for two months could be a problem but we did two days of testing which should allow me to maintain my pace,” comments the Belgian. “I have known this rally a little bit since last year even though many special stages have been modified. »

The Peugeot driver will compete alongside Guy Wilks and Pavel Valousek, third in the Czech event in 2010, from whom he wishes to benefit from his knowledge of this event. “Having a Czech teammate will be really useful to me on this rally”, he adds. “He will have good information on the choice of tires or on the weather, parameters which are particularly important. We are still in a good position to aim for the title. We don?t need to win this week but a podium would be a good result. »