The Korean manufacturer has been powerless against Toyota – and the same story seems to be repeating itself at Rally Japan. At least if the team’s star driver Thierry Neuville is to be believed.
Neuville won the first world title of his career last year, but this season the Belgian has not claimed a single rally victory. And nothing currently suggests that this frustrating streak will end in Japan.
“Not much better, to be honest. Let’s say we need to have a different mindset for this last tarmac event at least, and probably for the last one of the season as well. But yeah, I want to get through in rhythm, without pressure, and just drive fast – but not faster than what’s possible,” Neuville said.
Neuville and Hyundai can now start shifting their focus towards next season. The manufacturers’ title has already slipped away to Toyota, which – at least in theory – gives them an opportunity to search for good setups with next year in mind.
“I hope. We’ve already tried a lot, but we’re still looking to see what we haven’t tried yet – what we should try. And if you have some ideas, it’s a good opportunity for us to try them,” Neuville stated.
Although Neuville is no longer in the title fight, a good result would, of course, bring at least some consolation.
“You always want to be fast, and you want to win – at least have a chance to win. And let’s say it’s up to the driver then to do the job. But unfortunately here, we can have a bit of luck and end up on the podium. That would be nice. I would be very satisfied with that. And that’s it. I mean, we have to have a different mindset,” Neuville said.
Throughout the season, Hyundai has clearly lagged behind Toyota in terms of performance. It is therefore reasonable to ask whether the team even has a genuine chance to challenge Toyota on its home soil.
“No, no. Maybe on some of the stages we can have a bit more speed, but honestly, it also depends on how the weather changes during the weekend and so on. A real chance, let’s say, like we did in previous years with normal driving and not overdriving? No. If you take a lot of risks, we’ll be closer and maybe sometimes even at the same speed. But there’s no guarantee we’ll finish the rally. So I won’t go there anymore. I’ll drive my rally, and where I feel that’s the speed we should be at, that’s where I’ll stay – on a good pace, and that’s it,” Neuville concluded.
