Thierry Neuville: A perfect rebound after Monte-Carlo

The missed start to the 2017 season now seems a long way away for Thierry Neuville. The Belgian driver, in a favorable position to win in Sweden twelve months ago before an error in a super-special, took his revenge by dominating the Nordic round this weekend without trembling.

Un résultat d’autant plus important pour le pilote Hyundai after a Rally Disappointing Monte Carlo. A success which, coupled with the mixed result of Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford), propulse Neuville en tête du championnat après deux épreuves.

“It’s an incredible result, proclaims the Belgian upon arrival. We had a disappointing start to the season at Monte-Carlo, but we didn't give up. We remained focused and with the aim of a solid result here in Sweden.

We knew the competition would be tough for victory, but we came here with the goal of bouncing back, and we did it perfectly.

We didn't expect to take the lead so early, and we had to be smart to defend the gap at times and then increase it when we could. I think we deserved the win last year, but maybe even more so this weekend. »

Thierry Neuville, on the other hand, did not take any risks to get the bonus points from the Power Stage. “The victory was too important, so to finish with two more points is positive. We now lead the championship, so our 2018 campaign is back on track. »

Hyundai Motorsport leaves Sweden with a double podium with Andreas Mikkelsen's third place, his first podium with his new team.

La seule petite déception pour la marque coréenne ce dimanche matin restera la perte de la quatrième place pour Hayden Paddon dans la Power Stage, après un petit écart de trajectoire et un moteur calé. Des déboires qui ont permis à Esapekka Lappi (Toyota) de conclure au quatrième rang du rallye.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Swedish Rally, produced by our special correspondents, in issue 2153 of AUTOhebdo, available tomorrow evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.