Thierry Neuville: “We had to try to win before Kenya”

What is your feeling at the end of this rally from Sardinia?

First of all, I'm happy to be on the top step of the podium again. As everyone could see, it was a difficult weekend. We were involved from the start in a close fight with ups and downs throughout the event against Sébastien (Ogier. Editor’s note) and Esapekka (Lappi. Editor’s note). In the end, the strategy paid off by putting pressure on Ogier who made a mistake which gave us a good opportunity and allowed the team to win. This double podium rewards the work of the entire team, who deserve it.

You weren't trying to get points in the Power Stage. For what ?

I just drove trying to keep an acceptable pace because we all know if you go too slow the car stops working and it's horrible. I didn't feel comfortable. This stretch turned out to be the worst for me. We waited a lot during this day when we saw the weather conditions deteriorate. I was aware that my tires were in very poor condition for the last special. It was stressful and our only goal was to get it over with.

How important is this success for the championship?

We had to try to win before Kenya where we know it can be a rally that can suit us. Our car is quite reliable and strong in such difficult conditions. It is also clear that the next two rounds in Estonia (20-23 July) and Finland (August 3-6) are not my favorite areas in the calendar. Kalle (Rovanperä.Editor’s note) will be very strong there. So it was important to take some good points, but Kenya will be even more important. It will be a complicated challenge, as always, but I'm really looking forward to it because I have a good feeling.

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