Thierry Neuville tried everything in Croatia

For the third time in 2021, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe climbed onto the third step of the podium in WRC, after having completed the Rally from Croatia behind the two Toyota Yaris from Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans.

In the lead at the end of the first day, the Belgian from the team Hyundai lost ground on Saturday following a poor choice of tires and chased after the two duettists from the Japanese brand until the end of the race.

“I think without the tire selection error on Saturday, given Thierry's speed throughout the weekend, he could have been even closer to the top places and maybe even could have taken the victory, believes Andrea Adamo, Hyundai Team Principal.

Maybe we need to improve our strategy management because this will remain a close fight for the rest of the season and any small mistake will be magnified and punished much harder. »

Still in contention for victory before the Power Stage, the native of Saint-Vith tried everything this Sunday, but an error made him lose a little more time in this final course.

“Unfortunately, I went a little far on a junction which cost us at least three seconds, but even without that it wouldn't have been quite enough, admits Neuville, a handsome player.

The pace between the leaders was incredibly fast. We did our best all weekend, pushing hard and at the limit of the car's performance. Until the Power Stage, we never gave up in what was a very close battle for victory.

But we gave everything, and I had a good feeling with our car on these difficult asphalt stages. »

Still in the learning phase with his new co-driver, Thierry Neuville also recognized the progress of Martijn Wydaeghe. “We enjoyed this rally and Martijn did a great job. It hasn't been easy for the co-drivers this weekend, so we have to take away some positives. »

Before aiming for victory in Portugal next month? This will undoubtedly be the objective of the Belgian tandem, which remains second in the championship, eight points behind new leader Sébastien Ogier.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Croatian Rally, produced by our special correspondent in Zagreb, in issue 2309 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.