WRC – Neuville and Hyundai put on a show in Sweden

Thierry Neuville et Hyundai Motorsport certainly did not imagine that they would be able to fight for victory in the Rally from Sweden. The Belgian took second place at the end of the Power Stage where he lost by just six seconds to Sébastien Ogier, while taking advantage of Andreas Mikkelsen's error. The 2013 world vice-champion is in second place in the Championship, 23 points behind the Frenchman.

« It was a hell of a rally! We haven't had such an intense fight for victory in a long time and it was great to be a part of it.", commented Thierry Neuville. « No one expected us to be contenders for victory here and our performance has been remarkable. I obviously attacked hard to try to win, I took a few risks, and I really couldn't do more. This second place remains a very good result for me and for the team. »

With Hayden Paddon's fifth place, Hyundai WRT retains second place in the Manufacturers' Championship coming back to 13 points behind Volkswagen Motorsport. This is the fourth podium won by the Korean manufacturer since its return to WRC. “Our performances have been encouraging but we must admit that we still have work to do”, underlined Michel Nandan, Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport. “Thierry had incredible pace this weekend and this second place was well deserved. We took advantage of Andreas' misfortunes in the Power Stage, but that doesn't take away from Thierry's performance which was magnificent. We were kept in suspense all weekend and it was a special feeling to be part of this spectacular finale. A podium, two points in the Power Stage (with Thierry Neuville's second time) and second place in the Drivers' and Manufacturers' Championships... this result makes me smile. »

Discover the analysis of the Swedish Rally carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1999 of AUTOhebdo available from tomorrow evening in digital version and from Wednesday on newsstands.