The difficult season of Neuville, who won the championship last year, ultimately ended on a positive note on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, as he rose to become the winner of a truly gruelling rally.
On top of everything, Hyundai also received some balm for its wounds when Adrien Fourmaux finished second in the event, securing a one–two finish for the Korean team.
“It has been a long time since the previous win, but it’s great to be back on the top step of the podium – especially at the end of the season after a tough year,” Neuville sighed after the rally.
Hyundai’s season in the World Rally Championship had been nothing but an ordeal. Toyota had already wrapped up the manufacturers’ title well before the end of the season, and heading into the final event only Toyota drivers were still fighting for the drivers’ crown. Of them, Sébastien Ogier was eventually crowned champion for a historic ninth time. However, the victory also made it a positive day for Hyundai.
“We are obviously really pleased, and we even took a one–two. That is really important for the team and for all the lads. They have worked hard,” Neuville said.
“We haven’t always done things in the right direction, and we are not yet in the structural condition to be a real challenger next year. That’s why we recently made changes within the team, and we must continue along the same lines so that we are once again a serious title contender in the 2026 season,” Neuville continued.
There are only a few weeks left until the start of next season. According to Neuville, the team will be working flat out before then. They want to quickly wipe away the disappointment of this season.
“In fact, the next few weeks are decisive – the most important of all. We need to bring updates and improvements to the car, but also develop the team structure and bring in good people, either new or returning,” Neuville commented.
Hyundai’s driver line-up was not yet settled on Saturday. Neuville will continue with the team next season alongside Adrien Fourmaux as his team-mate, but no replacement or replacements have yet been found for Ott Tänak, who is at least for the time being ending his career – at least not officially.
“We have a lot of good specialists, but we need more of them to be effective and to do the right things at the right time. We have learned a lot recently about developing the car, and now we need to turn that into performance. But we have also lost one important person, so we need a good replacement for him,” Neuville stated.
