Thierry Neuville: “I’m not going to stay for many years in WRC …”

Thierry, given the context, is just to say that the result, here in Greece, will be essential for the rest of the competition?

“It is clear, it will be important. Consequently, It will be necessary to have more success than in Sardinia. Similarly, I have no doubt that the car will be competitive. In addition, because it has continued to improve on the last earth rallies. For example, We must hope that we will remain spared by punctures …”

Precisely, you win here last year by being the only one not to have burst. Furthermore, So what is the recipe to win on the acropolis ?

“It will be even more difficult to find than. For example, the other years because we find ourselves on a much more brittle field. In addition, I think it is above all a question of limiting the risks of puncture and mechanical breakage. In addition, I think that we will have to play over time. Nevertheless, Our ideal starting position on the road (Editor’s note: 5th) should allow us not to have too much to. Moreover, attack to get performance. So it will be up to us to thierry neuville: “i’m not going manage. even if, like others, I still know some difficulties in finding the best performance of the new Hankook tires. “

Another essential factor here in Greece : heat. With a rallying this year in June, men and mechanics will be put to the test. How do you refresh yourself ?

“I do not believe I have known an acropolis in these heat conditions. We announce more than 40 ° Friday, which means that the heat will climb beyond 70 ° in the car. It will be even harder than in Sardinia because here the specials are longer. We are limited to 2 liters of water in the car by loop. we have already swallowed everything after two specials. Additionally, We will test a new air cooling system. Inaugurated in tests in Kenya and it’s not bad.

We are impatiently awaiting confirmation of Hyundai’s commitment for next season. Does this uncertainty about the future affect the team ?

“It is certain that as long as we are not fixed on our future. it is the uncertainty of the reign. The formalization for 2026 should be done in the coming weeks. will relieve a lot of people among the team which counts 250 people. Everyone would like thierry neuville: “i’m not going to have insurance on the future. Some will go to the endurance with the entry of Genesis. Others will remain in the WRC.

Precisely, what about your future in WRC? You said you were interested in Dakar. a participation in the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring…

“I have an option for next year. If Hyundai continues, I will therefore be automatically. Beyond. I am much less worried about the future because we know that I will not stay for many years in WRC yet. I want to see if there is a way to perform partial seasons. if the new regulation 2027 is interesting and that new manufacturers arrive or that Hyundai decides to stay, it is necessary to see. Hyundai is already pronounced on 2026. “