WRC – Neuville: Hyundai justifies its choice

By announcing the demotion of Thierry Neuville in the second team Hyundai for the Wales Rally GB contested from November 12 to 15, the Korean manufacturer indirectly pointed out the poor performance of the former vice-world champion who retired from the first special of the Tour de Corse contested on Friday October 2.

Team Manager Alain Penasse confirmed that this choice was made so that the Belgian regains confidence behind the wheel while second place in the Manufacturers' Championship is being fought between the Korean manufacturer and Citroën. “We did not take this decision lightly but after a long discussion with Thierry and Nicolas (Gilsoul, his co-driver). We know above all that we must fight in the last rounds for second place in the Championship. It is imperative to take maximum points from the remaining rounds and the form of the drivers is the key to showing our true potential. »

Hyundai Motorsport therefore makes no secret of the fact that this change corresponds to the Asian brand's desire to finish ahead of its French rival, the latter having regained the advantage by one point. “In speaking with Thierry, we realized that we needed to find a way to give him confidence again and we believe that taking the pressure of the Championship off him will allow him to get back on his feet for 2016. Everyone in the team is 100% behind Thierry… We have already had such driver changes in the past which had given positive results, and we hope that this will not only benefit the team but also Thierry », added Alain Penasse.