Hyundai has brought his world champion to Sierra Morena, Thierry Neuville, to arrive with the duties done to the Canary Islands, the first course of the course on pure asphalt. The Alzenau team, which finally won the pilot championship in 2024, and touched its third constructor crown, is being striving after triumphing again. But, at the same time, his continuity in the WRC remains in question. Although the deliberations have run for months, nothing ensures that Hyundai, and Neuville himself, continue in the contest next year.
Ask. First time you are running to Córdoba, how do you see this rally?
Answer. The sections are complicated, quite fast, with many cut areas. We have done tests this week and the roads here are not exactly the same as those of Gran Canaria, but it will come good to prepare the car in asphalt and find confidence with the new tires.
Q. It had not been going to a European rally for a long time, do you bring memories of its time at the IRC?
A. It is a championship that I like, the rallies format I think is very suitable for teams and fans, with a show and two stages on the weekend. My lifelive team is also running here with an Hyundai i20n Rally2.
The WRC World Cup is at a critical moment
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai WRC pilot)
Q. Do you surprise Evans’s dominance in this World Cup start?
A. No, Toyota is very strong, and, clearly, Elfyn is the fastest adapted to the new tires, that sure. It cost me a lot in Montecarlo, I had no confidence or speed. Now I’m getting better and getting the wheel to work in the range. In Sweden I felt competitive. I am happy to have finally uploaded the safari podium, after as many problems as I had had other years there.
The Belgian Hyundai in the departure arch of Córdoba.shakedown media / Álvaro Tuñón
Q. Are you still worried about the future of the championship?
A. Without a doubt, the WRC is at a critical moment, and runs the risk of losing an important brand. If only Toyota is left, the championship would not work. The months pass very quickly and it is necessary that weight decisions be made to prevent it from happening.
Q. Does it mean that Hyundai can leave the championship this year?
A. We are all putting on our side to try to get the project to continue. I am optimistic, I hope that the situation will be fixed. But the FIA and the promoter must react and be able to make an attractive championship for Hyundai to continue. If not, there will be no way.
If Hyundai does not follow, I will have to look for other alternatives, I have to settle for a partial program
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai WRC pilot)
Q. So can this be your last season at the World Cup?
A. I hope no, I already tell you that I trust that Hyundai follows. If not, I will have to look for other alternatives. I would like to do the entire championship next year, but I have to settle for a partial program. I don’t know, it’s still soon. We’ll see.
Q. Do you think the rallies are aging?
A. I think we have to turn everything in general to remain attractive and draw the attention of fans. Perhaps the format has to change and update to be more spectacular. Who maintains the public’s interest for three days? I would not mind running with a car that transmits less sensations if the show and competitiveness are greater.
Q. Do Toyota and Hyundai are aligned with the future of the championship?
A. Right now, not too much. I think that manufacturers have to work more united, really press so that the promoter and the FIA pay them and approve the changes that are needed so that the championship will be attractive again and generate again the interest of the brands.
It is a shame that Dani Sordo cannot run in the Canary Islands
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai WRC pilot)
Q. Do you miss deaf on the team this season?
A. I know they are talking. I think the WRC rallies that Dani will do this season will be announced soon. It is a pity that I cannot run in the Canary Islands, we need it in the team. Toyota is betting very strong and Hyundai also needs a powerful alignment. We must have the help of Dani in those rallies where he is more competitive and in which he can have a good exit position.
P. The Canary Islands Rally marked a turning point at the beginning of his career. Do you want to return to Gran Canaria?
A. It has been a long time, I hardly remember. In 2010, I hit, and the following year I got my first podium with Peugeot in the IRC. I was the best pilot of the brand, and, finally, I began to feel comfortable piloting in asphalt a 4×4 car. I remember that there was a lot of hobby and that I had a great time at the Rally Final Party [risas]. I know that many sections have changed, others have made them wider and are no longer as they were. We will have to see how we adapt.