Photo credit: www.autosport.com

Thierry Neuville Prepares for Monte Carlo as Title Defense Begins

Thierry Neuville is eager to embark on his quest for a second World Rally Championship title as he prepares for the season opener in Monte Carlo, marking his inaugural title defense as the reigning champion. Having finally secured his first championship last season, Neuville has shifted from being known as a frequent runner-up to a titleholder.

The Hyundai driver expressed that winning the championship last year alleviated a considerable amount of pressure, ending years of relentless pursuit of rallying’s highest accolade. Now, as he enters the new season adorned with the #1 on his Hyundai i20 N, Neuville feels even more motivated for further success.

“Definitely [hungry for another title], once you taste it you want more,” Neuville stated in a recent interview. He emphasized his commitment to exerting maximum effort throughout the season, just as he has in previous years, stating, “If everything comes together we should be up there.”

He acknowledged the relief of having previously secured the title, remarking, “Overall I would say that we have obviously taken a bit of weight off our shoulders for the title fight.” However, Neuville clarified that he still feels the familiar pressure to perform and deliver for his team. “The pressure to be the best is still the same,” he noted, emphasizing that the upcoming season will be filled with excitement and challenges.

When queried about whether being a world champion would enhance his performance in 2025, Neuville remained pragmatic: “I think the challenges will be the same, there will be ups and downs like always.” He concluded that he expects a competitive season, identifying four to five key contenders for the championship, including Ott Tänak, Kalle Rovanperä, Elfyn Evans, and potentially Adrien Fourmaux.

Challenges Await in Monte Carlo

Neuville’s title defense kicks off with one of the World Rally Championship’s most demanding rallies in Monte Carlo. This year, crews will face additional complexities due to the introduction of new Hankook tires, alongside the FIA’s decision to eliminate hybrid power in Rally1 cars.

“We are all clearly missing experience with the new tyres and we can only get more experience now doing the rally,” he acknowledged. Neuville anticipates that this year’s event may differ from past rallies, predicting “some more wintry conditions” that could complicate the driving experience. He aims for a strategic and intelligent approach to the challenging courses.

“It won’t be easy but hopefully we can get a good start into the season,” Neuville commented, expressing hopes of securing a podium finish. “I would be happy to be on the podium and satisfied to be there but very happy to be on the top step.”

Source
www.autosport.com