Emotions heated up when Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville received a 40-second time penalty for being four minutes late to Friday’s third-to-last special stage. In the Toyota camp, there was suspicion that Neuville might have taken the time penalty deliberately, so Elfyn Evans would have to act as the snowplow in heavy snowfall.
Neuville, followed by the entire Hyundai team, communicated that the delay was due to an engine issue necessitating maintenance work. Evans sharply criticized the Korean manufacturer on Friday night.
“Seems like sportsmanship has gone out the window. We need to consider together what we say, so I don’t end up regretting my words,” Evans stated.
Hyundai team boss Cyril Abiteboul has now responded to the Welshman’s comments.
“It’s an ultra-competitive environment. You can’t avoid suspicions. Our engine issues were visible before, and they are visible in the data as well. Elfyn can go see our data if he wishes,” Abiteboul retorted on Belgian channel RTBF’s website.
“I find it beautiful that everyone is very engaged with full emotions. I prefer that to politically correct speeches. We’ll leave that to others.”
However, Abiteboul emphasizes that Evans might not genuinely suspect foul play.
“The psychological aspect, of course, plays a role. Anything that can destabilize the opponent can play. When Elfyn says that, I think he’s playing that game too. He is very experienced and intelligent, he is aware of what he’s doing,” Abiteboul says.
“He also knows how to influence opinions. I understand it; it’s up to everyone to play with the weapons they have.”
The World Rally Championship continues with the Safari Rally in Kenya on the last weekend of March.
