Neuville: “Such a sudden end”

While Thierry Neuville seemed on the verge of signing his first victory in the Rally from Sweden, the Belgian retired in the Karlstad super special who closed the second stage with a lead of 43 seconds over his closest opponent Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota).

It's a disappointment that's even harder for the pilot Hyundai which he also abandoned in Monte-Carlo last month following a slight error while he was comfortably in the lead.

“There are really no words to describe how I feel, admitted the vice-world champion. It’s such a sudden end to what has been a good rally for us so far. We spent the whole Saturday controlling our lead. We didn't want to repeat what happened in Monte Carlo, but that's exactly what happened. »

Thierry Neuville must recover by relying on the performances achieved at the wheel of his i20 WRC. The Belgian notably signed five scratches during the first stage.

“We cannot dwell on such things even if they are frustrating, underlined Thierry Neuville. We know we have the speed to win rallies with the Hyundai i20 WRC. We remain confident and I am sure that the results will come. We will return to Rally2 tomorrow to aim for points in the Power Stage and we will resume the fight in Mexico (March 9-12). »

Thierry Neuville occupied 9th place in the Championship at the end of the Monte-Carlo Rally after winning the Power Stage bonus points.