Neuville's first reaction as champion: "We deserve it"

This point stop, Thierry Neuville was looking forward to it. It represented the first opportunity for him to speak officially as world champion. The Belgian, who took advantage of the road crash ofOtt Tänak during the first special on Sunday, can mathematically no longer be caught. 

It was therefore as world champion and with a scratch time in his pocket that he stopped his Hyundai i20 to answer the promoter's questions after SS18. And unsurprisingly, the smile was not missing on Thierry Neuville's face, who did not expect to find out his fate so quickly. 

« Honestly, it's a surprisehe confided. I don't know what to say, but I think we deserve it. There was a lot more pressure than we needed for this last race, but we handled it as best we could with the problems we had. We are a bit more relaxed now and we can now push to come home with all the trophies. We will give it our all » 

First words from your 2024 champion 🏆#WRC | #RallyJapan 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/3vG93NpJqL

— FIA World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) November 24, 2024

Later, back at the service park, it was with a huge smile that the Belgian appeared before the media to share his joy. "I'm speechless, it came as a bit of a surprise, said the new world champion. We were preparing the car before the stage (SS18) and we got a call from Florian, my assistant. He usually never calls, so I thought something was wrong. I heard a lot of people shouting behind me, so I knew it was good news! It took me a while to take it in! The feeling will be better day by day, when we really realize what we have achieved. I can only thank all the people who have been behind me all this time, my supporters – Team #TN11 – who have supported me for years, my family, my team who gave their best, all the people who have followed me all these years. I am very happy.

Thierry Neuville now has three stages to attack without restrictions in the hope of helping Hyundai also win in the Constructors' category.

ALSO READ > Thierry Neuville crowned world champion!