Thierry Neuville highlights support from Hyundai

Thierry Neuville can have a smile when crossing the finish line of the last special of the Tour de Corse. The Belgian driver finally signs his first success of the season, and puts an end to a drought running from Italy last year.

Present on the podium in the last five rounds of the championship in 2016, many placed Neuville among the headliners for 2017, with the change in technical regulations and the arrival of new WRC. A status confirmed by his performances at the start of the race at Rally Monte-Carlo, before a small error deprived him of victory in the Principality.

Identical situation in Sweden where the former Citroën driver found himself well ahead of the race before making a mistake in a super-special and missing another opportunity to win. Neuville, however, did not give up, largely supported by his team.

« C’est un sentiment incroyable de décrocher la victoire ici en Corse ce week-end, souligne Neuville Je suis sûr qu’il y a beaucoup de gens qui fêtent cela avec nous, notamment l’ensemble de l’équipe Hyundai Motorsport. They have supported me so much since Monte-Carlo and Sweden, and I'm really happy. This victory is ours! »

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This weekend in Corsica, Thierry Neuville never let go of the front, accelerating the pace at important moments, and controlling the proceedings, as in the final Power Stage. Not very confident with his i20 WRC on Friday, the Belgian, well supported by Hyundai, found the right formula for Saturday's stage, with three scratch times in four SS.

“Thierry and Nicolas had an excellent weekend, showing their tenacity after a difficult start on Friday, continues Team Principal Michel Nandan. Acquiring four stage victories and demonstrating that they solved their problems, while others encountered problems, allowed them to chart their course. They deserve this and compensate for the disappointments of Monte-Carlo and Sweden. »

Discover the full report and analysis of the Tour de Corse, produced by our special correspondents on the Isle of Beauty, in issue 2109 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.