Neuville: “It’s going to be very difficult for Ogier”

What do you think of the Hyundai i20 WRC 2017, your new frame?

The basis of the car is very, very good, and we feel that the faults of the 2016 version have largely been erased... On the asphalt, it's impressive to see the difference: we can now drive very low and the car rolls less. I even asked to raise it, because it was touching everywhere underneath, whereas before I kept wanting to lower it…

Does this bode well for Monte-Carlo?

I'm aiming for a podium there. However, this is one of the rallies where I have the most difficulty fighting for victory. From the start, I had difficulty with this test, which I discovered very young. Since then, I have gained a lot of experience, but it remains a race where you have to take a lot of risks to really go fast. And I don't really like it...

Between whom and who, will the 2017 season be played?

For me, Citroën will be the clear favorite in most of the rounds at the top speed... but for me, they don't have the best driver team. At Ford, we don't know the level of competitiveness of the car, but we know that ofOgier, his consistency too, even if I really think it will be more difficult for him. At the same time, I am almost convinced that he will remain the man to beat. In any case, it’s a great challenge that he’s taking on. Thank you will be fast, Hayden and me, too, Dani, it depends on the terrain. For Toyota on the other hand, I think that it will take them a little more time to be up to the level…

Discover the full interview with Thierry Neuville and the Guide to the 2017 WRC season in issue 2097 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version on all platforms and on newsstands.