Neuville before Mexico: “We have to score big points”

At the start of a round that he has never won, Thierry Neuville believes that consistency is important, but that he must also aim for victory. If the Belgian appears calm, he fears punctures and is waiting to see how the hybrid system will behave on the demanding Mexican special stages.

Published on 16/03/2023 à 10:25

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Thierry Neuville before Mexico: “At some point, you have to score big points”

Did your one day of testing give you confidence before this Rally Mexico 2023?

Whether during tests or the last rallies, it was already present. I'm not too worried about that. There will most likely be adjustments to be made during the shakedown or during the event, but I hope they will be minimal, which would be a good sign.

Good to be back on gravel! #PET #RallyMexico #HMSGOfficial #TN11

🎥 @Traxx_WiF pic.twitter.com/xhggKCi5qY

— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) February 28, 2023

Is there any concern about your position on the road? Is this looking to be even more destroyed than other years?

It's not very brittle. There are just more stones on Friday. I find that the risk of punctures is very high during this 1^er day. It is also possible to damage the car stupidly with what we encounter on the road. Scanning is also a parameter that will be important, but if we take a good first step, the rest will be open.

So happy to be back here in Mexico! 🇲🇽#WRC #RallyMexico #HMSGOfficial #Recce pic.twitter.com/Zmab3vYoRF

— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) March 15, 2023

Could the characteristics of the Mexican terrain create problems with the hybrid system?

I don't really have any doubts, but it is true that when we listen to the engineers from the different teams we feel some concern about this subject. I honestly don't have the answer.

ALSO READ > Who can “get the skin” of Sébastien Ogier in Mexico?

What will be your goal to achieve here where you have surprisingly never won?

I had three retirements, three exits and three podiums and the two times we could have won, we crashed. Regarding the objective, consistency throughout the championship is important, but at some point, you have to score big points. I think those who start further on Friday are better placed than us for victory. Compared to my main competitors, I will have to do well this weekend, even if there is Elfyn Evans behind us, I hope I can finish in front of him.

The @RallyMexico , I'll support a very important institution in León called "Casa de Apoyo a la Mujer AC"

Created in 1998, Casa de Apoyo a la Mujer is a safe place for women who are or have been victims of domestic violence. More info on my FB page. #WRC #RallyMexico pic.twitter.com/5p1FonQ0js

— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) March 14, 2023

What is the best tactic for Sébastien Ogier ? Should you let him run his course or should you fight with him to win if it comes up?

There is no real need to consider it. However, it is always tricky or penalizing if he wins and we finish 2^e, because he takes the big points and we don't make any real difference with the others. As we are at the start of rally, we don't take it into account, but we will have to see if it plays out against him if we have to try to make gaps.