The defending champion’s year has been a painful one, and Neuville currently sits only fifth in the standings. The gap to the leader has already grown beyond 50 points, so without a miracle the Hyundai driver will not be retaining his title.
However, Neuville could prove to be surprisingly tough on Paraguay’s red gravel if he manages to get the set-up of his car just right. According to the Belgian, the top drivers will not suffer from their starting positions, which in turn could greatly level the playing field in terms of road order.
“I would say zero road sweeping here this weekend, especially on the first day. There is a bit on Saturday and Sunday, but it is a very specific surface. We can see some of this sometimes in Kenya with this very hard, compact dried up clay. And we don’t know yet what the week the weather is going to bring for the weekend,” Neuville explained.
The Belgian ace is anticipating an interesting and enjoyable competition in South America.
“It will be bit of a surprise. I mean, obviously three days, three different kind of characteristics. Probably the first one is the the most challenging of the days and it is also the longest day with lots of grip changes. I think it’s going to be more enjoyable during the rally itself at high speed then than recce,” Neuville summed up.
“I think that for the rally itself, with high speed we’re gonna have some fun.”
Even though the championship has already slipped “light years” out of Neuville’s reach, the eternal fighter refuses to give up.
“We always give everything until the very end. We will keep fighting as long as the championship is mathematically possible. Of course, the chances are not big, but then again it’s also nicer to be second than fifth,” Neuville reflected.
