Thierry Neuville at the end of hell

The course of the Sardinian round in no way corresponded with the images that this event usually conveys. The rain which disrupted all the stages and made the special stages very selective did not prevent Hyundai from winning once again on this terrain. Thierry Neuville finally returns to victory and appears as Kalle Rovanperä's only opponent.

Published on 05/06/2023 à 18:02

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A grueling rally for Thierry Neuville © Hyundai

Given the progress of the last rally on earth, Thierry Neuvilel and Hyundai rather stood in the role of outsiders at the start of this 6th round. In Portugal, the i20s took the podium, without ever worrying Kalle Rovanperä's Yaris. In all the reports heard in Porto (Portugal), there was talk of “ a lot of work , Of " new approvals “, but also of” long term ". Neither Thierry Neuville, who appeared very disappointed by his performances, nor Cyril Abiteboul, who had been even more direct in his comments regarding the lack of competitiveness of his cars, had given the impression that they believed in a good result in Olbia (Italy). The way seemed open for the Yaris and the first stages confirmed that the Japanese's shortcomings on this type of terrain had been erased. In the ranks of Hyundai, however, one driver was determined not to give in.

As surprising as it may seem, the