Neuville desperate by Hyundai's problems in Kenya: "The situation is obvious"

At the end of the Safari Rally, Thierry Neuville was far from being the happiest driver in the paddock. The Belgian experienced a grueling race in Kenya, like the other two Hyundai byOtt Tänak and Oliver Solberg.

Arriving 5th in the event, the 34-year-old driver saw his hopes of a podium disappear on Saturday. The Neuville – Wydaeghe duo, who had just taken 3rd place overall, were forced to retire due to two successive problems during SS13: first an engine cut-out on the i20 hybrid, then an accident with a tree, due to lack of visibility.

Thierry Neuville is at a standstill in the last special of the day! ❌#WRCSafariRally pic.twitter.com/V0ouAvLH2v

- CANAL + Sport (@CanalplusSport) June 25, 2022

The Belgian was finally able to leave the next day and managed to glean all 5 points from the Power Stage. A small consolation but which does not alleviate the disappointment for the championship runner-up. “We did the most we could do. Taking fifth place after all the problems we had can probably be considered a satisfactory result.", believes Thierry Neuville. “ This weekend has been difficult and challenging, and (Sunday) matin was no exception. Our goal was clearly to get something out of the Power Stage, which we managed to do. »

Bad operation for Neuville in the championship

The Belgian driver did not hide his fatalism regarding the problems encountered by Hyundai throughout the weekend. If the i20 was pretty much on the pace all weekend, the reliability of the car was catastrophic. Thierry Neuville couldn't find the words to describe his feelings. “There’s not much to say. The situation is obvious. I'm really disappointed, not only for us but also for the mechanics, who worked so hard, but like us, are not rewarded. »

With Kalle Rovanperä's Safari Rally victory, ex-driver M-Sport finds himself relegated to 65 points behind the Finn in the championship after 6 events. A chasm that Hyundai wants to try to fill. Julien Moncet, deputy team director, concedes that there is work to be done for the Korean team.

“It goes without saying that we are very disappointed by the rally as a whole, and we are all a little dejected by this result. It's motorsport: sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We identified a lot of issues this weekend, and we are already working on solutions. » explains the Frenchman. “Back at the factory, we will have intense discussions and will do everything in our power to come back stronger for the next event. » Hyundai has three weeks to sort out all its problems before Rally Estonia, July 14-17.

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