Adamo: “We lack speed against our rivals”

Hyundai seems to leave the Rally from Portugal with a feeling of unfinished business. Thierry Neuville was able to secure second place 16 seconds behindOtt Tänak (Toyota) and stay in the title race after his crash in Chile, but the Korean team lost valuable points due to fuel problems with Sébastien's cars Loeb and Dani Sordo.

“I have three things in mind at the end of this rally, comments Andrea Adamo. First of all, I have deep respect for our crews. Thierry and Nicolas (Gilsoul, his co-driver) are having a superb season with the tools we gave them and they fully deserved this 2nd place. They continue to produce results which are flattering for our level of performance. I am then angry by the problems encountered on Friday with the cars of Dani (Sordo) and Sébastien (Loeb) who could fight for the podium. »

“It is also clear that we lack speed against our rivals, continues the replacement for Michel Nandan. We are here to fight for victories and that is the most important thing to focus on. »

Thierry Neuville could in any case be satisfied with his performance after winning his match against the Toyotas of Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke.

“It was important to get back into the game after our accident in Chile, admits the Belgian. It was not a smooth weekend but we were able to show good pace by signing a few stage wins. We can be satisfied with this 2nd place. The time lost on Friday is more or less the time we miss on arrival. The championship is hotly contested at mid-season and we know there is no margin for error when things are so close. »

Thierry Neuville is in 3rd place in the championship, 10 points behind Sébastien Ogier (Citroën) and 8 from Ott Tänak (Toyota). Hyundai keeps its lead ahead of Toyota with a 20-unit lead.

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Portugal carried out by our special correspondent in issue 2219 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.