Hyundai will have "realistic objectives" in Mexico

The victory of Thierry Neuville won last month in Sweden will penalize the Belgian for Rally of Mexico contested from this Thursday. The new leader of the Championship will have the disadvantage of opening the road during the first stage on Friday on the dusty roads of the event where he finished on the last step of the podium last year.

“We had the pleasure of having much better performances in Sweden with results more in line with what can be achieved, commente Michel Nandan, le Team Principal de Hyundai Motorsport. You just have to look at the positions in the Manufacturers' Championship to see how close the fight is. We will have realistic goals in Mexico. Thierry will be first on the road and we must accept the task of opening the stages. It’s part of the game.”

Hyundai will nevertheless be able to count on its other crews better placed in the starting order. Andreas Mikkelsen, sixth in the Championship, will certainly have a card to play even if he missed the event last year.

“I have competed in the Rally Mexico three times in my career, recalls the Norwegian, author of a third place in 2015 when he defended the interests of Volkswagen. It’s a great rally that has similar special stages from one season to the next. So we know them well. It's always hot there and you have to take extra care of the brakes. There is a lot of sweep and you have to adapt your driving a little, the high altitudes limiting the engine's power. I'm looking forward to another good result after scoring my first podium for Hyundai in Sweden. »

Dani Sordo will be even better placed on the road after giving way to Hayden Paddon at Rally Sweden. However, the Spaniard never got on the podium in the Mexican event.

“I always enjoyed riding the Mexican stageshe assured. Sweeping the stages can create big gaps between the first on the road and those who start behind. I hope to benefit a little from our position and move towards the front to help the team maintain the lead in the Manufacturers' Championship. »

Thierry Neuville will enter the Rally of Mexico with a ten-point lead over Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport). Hyundai dispose d’une unité d’avance sur Toyota Gazoo Racing.