Thierry Neuville: “Anything can still happen”

After a break of a month and a half, the World Rally Championship will resume in Spain next week. Left empty-handed Rally from Germany at the end of August, Thierry Neuville is now seventeen points behind Sébastien Ogier and is now only sixteen ahead of Ott Tänak, third with only three events remaining. The Belgian and his sidekick Nicolas Gilsoul know that they can no longer afford the slightest misstep if they want to maintain their chances of winning the title.

« Entering a crucial phase of the season with a view to the championship, we must remain focused and aim for the podium, or even victory, in each of the events still to be contested, reconnaît le leader de l’équipe Hyundai Motorsport. It’s very close in the Drivers’ Championship between Ogier, Tänak and myself, anything can still happen. Spain will pose a big challenge, as always, due to the change in surface (earth then asphalt. Editor’s note). It’s an event that all the crews appreciate. The atmosphere is good and the weather is generally mild. We rested well during this long break and are determined to give everything in the fight for the title. »

Note that the i20 WRC will have a new aerodynamic package distinguished by a new front bumper and a new rear wing. During this Rally of Spain, competitors will compete on 19 special stages, for a timed course of 312,02 km. Hostilities begin on Thursday with the shakedown in Salou. Third last year, the Neuville-Gilsoul duo could not prevent Sébastien Ogier from winning. It’s up to them to reverse the trend this year.