Neuville made some stark remarks about the changes shaking up the World Rally Championship in an interview with the French magazine AutoHebdo. Among other things, he suggested that the current season might be his last at the top level of the WRC.
“I must say, the FIA’s announcements shocked me. I don’t understand why they decided to implement such unstable rules for the next two years without knowing what they (FIA) really want or where they intend to take us,” Neuville expressed his bewilderment to the French magazine
However, the 35-year-old Neuville now states on Autosport’s website that he has no intention of leaving the WRC. His contract with Hyundai ends after this year, but his desire to continue is strong.
“I never said that I want to retire; I don’t know where that came from. I said that if Hyundai pulls out, I could be retired by next year for example and that is the truth,” referring to his employer Hyundai.
“This has been turned that way by the media. For sure if Hyundai decided to pull out, I would probably be retired, but not only me.”
Significant changes are on the horizon for the WRC. Next season will see the removal of hybrid units and a reduction in the power of the top-class cars. The goal is for a Rally1 car to cost €400,000, over half less than currently. In the interim years of 2025-26, a WRC kit available for Rally2 cars will bring those vehicles closer to the performance of the top-class cars.
“To be honest it was a bit of surprise for myself and many others that is for sure. I would prefer something stable until the end of 2026, and to use that time period now to plan something nicely for the future of the WRC, whatever it would be I don’t know,” Neuville ponders.
“The question is simple; who is going to join the championship in 2025 and 2026 with the regulations we have now in a transition period that change basically every year? I don’t know.”
