Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville sits just 2.8 seconds off the Rallye Deutschland lead after the first full day of competition but he sits behind Ott Tanak, the man he is battling for the Title.
Getting the better of Tanak would help turn the momentum back to the Belgian pilot – having been in a dominant position this time last year only to lose out to Sebestien Ogier.
But he and the Hyundai team are focussed on the Championship with team boss Andrea Adamo bringing a new envrionment to the team as they chase some sort of title glory.
“We have been continously developing the car in a way we have never done before. We have been working hard since the beginning of the season – and we are clearly motivated,” Neuville said.
“We have worked on the dampening side of the car and it feels better than last year. It was the first event for the dampers last, so we have one more expereince.”
“It is a specific event here, we showed in Corisca that we have pace on the tarmac.”
“I have said before that we and everyone needs a bit of luck in the Baumholder.”
He now has a 25 point gap to make u and with the team working hard, the atmosphere is holding up.
The focus within the team is strong as Neuville explains to RacerViews.
“We are enjoying the title fight – we are working hard together and making a lot of progrees.”
“It is something we are enjoying and working very hard.”
Then when it comes down to his place in the team and what they are looking for he talked tough.
Undoubtedly he is one of the top three drivers in the Championship with Ogier and Tanak. He is spearheading Hyundai’s – and Adamo’s efforts to win the Manufacturer’s Title and with though previous changes in driver lineup and under the stewardship of Adamo, Neuville has always looked strong.
But now with rumours of Hyundai looking at Tanak, Neuville remains resolute.
“I have been in this situation – they said when Mikkelsen was coming it ws going to be a tough deal and then with Loeb coming, I was getting nervous.”
“I am still here and always show that I am still the strongest in the team.”
And as of now, certinly one of only a few capable of winning the Championship. On his current form, it is possible, he just faces a few other contenders never willing to give in.
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Sam Tickell
