A new situation for Thierry Neuville

Before arriving at the home event for Hyundai Motorsport (whose premises are based in Alzenau), the mixed start to the season of Thierry Neuville seems forgotten. After two major results abandoned in two gaps in Monte-Carlo and Sweden, the Belgian driver leads the general classification tied on points with Sébastien Ogier (Ford – M-Sport).

A new position for the native of Saint-Vith when approaching a round where he had scored his first success in WRC in 2014 for his first year with the Korean brand.

« Germany is generally a very good rally for us, whether for our crew, or our stable, comments Neuville. We have a great experience and great memories here, especially those from our first WRC victory in 2014.

Arriving here leading the championship is something new, but I'm really looking forward to opening the road. Hopefully we can put in another good performance and try to increase our lead in the standings. It won't be easy, but we know we can fight up front. »

The asphalt smiles on Hyundai

Victorious on the only other asphalt event contested in 2017 in Corsica, already with Thierry Neuville, the Hyundai team presents itself with confidence on this 2017 edition of the Rally of Germany, with the desire to regain a podium that it had experienced in 2014 and 2016.

« We had a difficult weekend in Finland, but we are determined to come back stronger in Germany, where we scored a double podium last year, confesses Team Principal Michel Nandan.

We are not automatically certain of repeating this kind of performance – given the tight competition this year – but it is clearly our goal. With Thierry leading the drivers' championship, we are all motivated to achieve a good team result. »