Neuville was “immediately in favor” of Loeb’s arrival at Hyundai

After the thunderclap of the announcement of the arrival of Sébastien Loeb in Hyundai Motorsport for six tests of WRC 2019, the Korean manufacturer focused on preparations for the next season, which will begin at the end of January at Rally Montecarlo.

An event that Loeb will tackle with very little driving, following on from his participation in the Dakar on a Peugeot 3008 DKR operated by the PH Sport structure. But the presence of the nine-time world champion can only bring more according to Thierry Neuville.

“There are three of us pilots who have the same feelings, the same comments, told us the 2018 world vice-champion. If Sébastien Loeb now arrives and agrees, there will be four of us. If we can't convince our technicians to change things, then they need to ask questions. »

The Belgian also specifies that he immediately “supported” the recruitment of the Frenchman, carried out as a priority to win the Manufacturers crown, ardently desired by the entity based in Alzenau in Germany.

“I’ve known there were contacts for a while. They were discussing it, he had tested the car… When I was confronted with the question internally, I was immediately in favor! It can only be good.

As long as he doesn't make the entire championship, he will be there to help us in the fight for the Manufacturers' title, but also among the Drivers. For the latter, it is impossible to claim it by not competing in the 14 rallies.

This is a welcome additional help. I'm delighted and if, with his contribution, we can get even closer to the titles and why not win them, that would be the ideal scenario. And then it’s better to have him with you than against you! »

Discover our complete analysis of Sébastien Loeb’s arrival at Hyundai Motorsport, in AUTO issue 2196hebdo, which remains available in digital version and again on newsstands this week.