Interview from Red Bull, sponsor of Thierry Neuville
Taking nothing for granted, the Belgian had to work incredibly hard to win his first WRC crown. It’s been over 10 years since he stepped into the pinnacle of rallying and was always among the contenders for the title, which he has finally secured in 2024 Rally Japan. Here’s what you need to know:
In 2011 Neuville got offered a full season in Citroën’s Junior World Rally Team for 2012. After finishing seventh in his first season at rallying’s top level, he was signed by the Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team for 2013.
Late 2013, Neuville signed a multi-year agreement to be the lead driver at Hyundai’s new WRC team. In 2014 Neuville won his first World Rally Championship event, as well as Hyundai’s first, at the Rallye Deutschland.
In total, Neuville has won 21 world rallies during his career, all for Hyundai Motorsports. His long-standing relationship with the Korean automotive manufacturer has seen Neuville playing a key role in the team’s success.
You have shown incredible persistence throughout the years in WRC – overcoming challenges and adversities – tell us your three best memories that show that you never give up in your aim to win?
In general, I never give up because it’s not over until it’s over. The first memory could be Rally Mexico in 2014 when I had to fill the radiator with beer which was given to us at the Power Stage podium. We finished 3rd overall and this is one of the good stories we still remember today.
Then, it could be Rally Croatia 2022 when we had to push the car over 800 meters to be able get to the check-in. It was very hard, and we were exhausted, but we did not give up.
Third memory could be Safari Rally Kenya 2021. We had a lot of different issues during the weekend, like rain in “sleeping warriors” stage, but we fought as hard as we could. We were in the lead and even if we had a technical issue on Sunday and the disappointment was huge, there was no question that we wouldn’t continue to fight in the next race.
In WRC, tarmac events are considered to be your main strength – how can you explain that? And what makes driving on tarmac exceptionally comfortable for you?
I started driving on the Belgian tarmac roads, large or narrow, dry or dirty and this is where I’ve learned to be comfortable on this surface.
What are the 3 main factors that led to your overall career success in WRC and what do you tell yourself to keep going when it gets very tough?
Hard work, team support and dedication. I always tell myself to keep going! You will get there. I know that you can’t succeed without going through the tough moments.
The WRC season is very long – how do you maintain your mental and physical strength throughout the season? Give us an insight into your mind and body training?
I think I trained myself over the years and this experience helped me to manage mentally and physically the long seasons. I’ve learned how to deal with pressure, tiredness and set-back but also with very hard rhythm. I try to stay focus on the target and recover when I can.
All of you wins in WRC are with Hyundai Motorsports – how did the relationship evolve over the years and what are you grateful for?
I’m really grateful for our team. We have been growing together, we’ve been winning and losing together, we have had hard times and incredible times also. Hyundai Motorsport became my family, and we got through so much together that we’ve created a very special relationship. They are a big part of my story and reversely and this is something strong.
