Neuville: experience is key in Sweden

Thierry Neuville will have a new opportunity to shine with the i20 WRC by disputing the Rally from Sweden next week. After losing victory last month at Monte-Carlo following a slight error, the Belgian intends to get back in the saddle by taking advantage of his significant experience in the Scandinavian event where he notably took 2nd place in 2015.

“The Swedish Rally is a unique event in the calendar as it is the only race where the cars have studded snow tires on the entire rally, recalled Thierry Neuville. It is also one of the fastest events of the year with average speeds higher than anywhere else. With the snow, tires and high speeds, it takes a lot of experience to tackle this challenge, but I'm confident after making many starts here. »

“We have had good results in the past and we will try to get a good result, especially after Monte Carlo which was promising but disappointing”, added the vice-world champion who only took 14th place in 2016.

Hayden Paddon can also be optimistic, despite a particularly difficult start to the season at Monte-Carlo, since he took 2nd place behind Sébastien Ogier last year.

“It’s one of my favorite rallies with Finland, admitted the New Zealander. C’est une épreuve très rapide avec beaucoup de sauts. La sensation de rouler sur la neige entre les talus est sans égale. Après la 2e place acquise l’an dernier, on espère en gagner encore une cette fois, spécialement avec les vitesses atteintes par les nouvelles voitures cette saison et au vu du potentiel de notre Hyundai i20 WRC. »

Dani Sordo will aim to do better than his 4th place in Monte-Carlo, even if he only took 6th place in Rally Sweden last year.

Hyundai Motorsport occupe la 3e place du Championnat Constructeurs à 20 points de M-Sport and at 4 Toyota Gazoo Racing, mais devance Citroën Racing de 10 unités.