With just one day and five stages remaining, Thierry Neuville is only a couple of points away from securing his first World Championship. His sole challenger is teammate Ott Tänak, who leads Rally Japan heading into the final day.
In Japan, Tänak has been carrying Hyundai’s hopes in the manufacturers’ title battle against Toyota ever since Neuville and Andreas Mikkelsen faced setbacks on Friday. Tänak managed to keep Toyota’s Elfyn Evans at bay and secured the largest conditional points haul for both himself and Hyundai on Saturday evening.
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul gave a strong assessment of Tänak’s performance at the end of Saturday, expressing confidence that the Estonian is prepared to make a definitive statement on the final day.
“I think Ott wants to make a statement. He wants to show that it’s his moment to conquer.”
“I think it’s important for the manufacturers’ championship, but I also think he’s sending a message to everyone about who he is, what he’s capable of, and what he will aim to achieve next year,” Abiteboul emphasised.
Tänak will remain with Hyundai next season, and Abiteboul credited him for stepping up and taking responsibility for the team.
“I think he’s also growing within the team. The relationship between Hyundai and Ott hasn’t always been smooth, but I believe what’s happening now will be a milestone in our shared journey forward,” Abiteboul explained.
If everything goes according to plan on Sunday, Hyundai could celebrate a triple triumph – drivers’, co-drivers’, and manufacturers’ World Championships. Abiteboul shared high praise for both Tänak and Neuville.
“I’m really grateful to both of them, not only for the drivers they are but also for the leaders they are within the team. They are clearly demonstrating tremendous talent in the car, but also incredible professionalism outside of it, especially in dealing with the very challenging circumstances Thierry faced yesterday.”
“And yet, I think you’ve seen his composure in the car and in interviews. I truly believe it’s a mark of someone who could soon be a champion, and I sincerely hope so,” Abiteboul concluded.
