Thierry Neuville: “Disappointed for the team”

2020 should not be the year of the world title for Thierry Neuville. Le Belge, toujours en lice malgré un retard conséquent sur Elfyn Evans (Toyota) avant le départ du Rally of Monza, saw its last hopes of victory disappear this Friday for the first stage of the Italian final of the WRC, after a catastrophic SS4.

Victim of a collision against the boundary of a chicane on the old speed ring, the driver Hyundai had damaged its right front suspension but was able to continue on its way.

Not for long, since passing through a flooded area at low speed would drown the engine of the i20 Coupe WRC. And Neuville’s day. “We were losing time but the car was still drivable, the steering was ok, the rim and the tire too,” said the Belgian.

Unfortunately, in a water-filled area, too much water entered the car and the engine stalled. We couldn't restart, so we had to stop the car.

I'm really disappointed for the team that I wasn't able to do the job I should have done, but – as always – we're holding our heads high. The team will repair the car so we can continue tomorrow. »

And thus try to forget an abandonment which could cost Hyundai dearly in the Manufacturers' ranking in its fight against Hyundai. Dani Sordo and Ott Tänak However, they are in first and fifth positions at the end of this stage.