Neuville participated in a test rally under conditions very similar to those expected at next weekend’s penultimate round of the season. The Belgian drove as the lead car in the Herbst Rally, which took place over eight special stages around Dobersberg in Northern Austria.
The stages were located near the Czech border, where the Central European Rally will begin next Thursday in Prague. Friday’s stages will also take place in the Czech Republic, while the competition will shift to Germany and Austria over the weekend.
Neuville drove as the lead car in the Herbst Rally, covering nearly 100 kilometres, so no official times were recorded for the Belgian. However, based on video clips shared on social media, Neuville didn’t hold back, pushing flat out on every stage. He even experienced a few spins, as the conditions were extremely muddy and slippery. Similar weather is expected for next weekend’s Central European WRC round.
This test provided the Belgian star with valuable additional experience in competitive conditions. The Herbst Rally featured a mix of dry stages as well as muddy and slippery sections, perfectly simulating what he might face in the upcoming WRC event.
The Herbst Rally victory went to Austria’s Hermann Neubauer in a Citroën, who defeated German Skoda driver Albert von Thurn und Taxis by 14.5 seconds. Austria’s Peter Eibisberger finished third, more than 50 seconds behind the leader.
Neuville holds a comfortable 29-point lead over teammate Ott Tänak in the championship standings. In the upcoming Central European Rally, Neuville could clinch his first-ever WRC title.
