Neuville began his preparations for the 2025 season on Hyundai’s test site, driving the updated Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car in true winter conditions in Central Finland.
Hyundai is conducting several days of testing this week at their permanent test facility near Jämsä. The test has drawn interest from fans who travelled long distances to witness it. RallyJournal.com reporters even encountered Spanish fans along the test stage, who run a popular YouTube channel.
The fans’ camera captured a moment where Neuville’s Hyundai dipped into a snowbank. The situation turned dangerous as a cameraman was standing in the wrong place, on the outside of the curve.
Footage published on YouTube shows Neuville’s Hyundai heading straight towards the photographer, who narrowly escaped being hit by the Rally1 car.
Watch the video of the incident below (starting at 0:23):
Neuville tested the car from early morning until evening, gaining familiarity with Hyundai’s updates and the new tyres from WRC’s official supplier, Hankook.
“We are preparing for 2025 and testing some little upgrades on the car. I have to say, overall it feels good.”
“But obviously, there are the new tyres as well, which is the biggest change for next year. I had never driven on Hankook tyres before, so this was my first time. It was interesting,” the Belgian star told RallyJournal.com.
