After securing his first World Rally Championship title this season, Neuville has had little time to rest. The Hyundai driver led the championship from the start of the year and finally celebrated his title at the season-ending Rally Japan in late November.
Even after the season concluded, Neuville has kept busy. The weekend after Rally Japan, he participated in a rally event hosted by teammate Dani Sordo in Spain, and last weekend, the Belgian driver competed in the Monza Rally Show in Italy.
At Monza, Neuville drove Hyundai’s Rally1 car without a hybrid unit. Next year, hybrid technology will no longer be used in top-tier cars, and the air restrictor size will be reduced by one millimetre.
“It’s clear that we’re lacking a bit of power. But we’ll have to see what happens with the new air restrictor that will be imposed on us for next season,” Neuville commented, as reported by Belgian newspaper La Derniere Heure.
Neuville’s commitments aren’t over yet. He still has a few tasks to complete before his holiday begins.
“Now, we still have a week of testing in Finland and the RACB Awards before January, and then we can finally enjoy some holiday time with family,” Neuville said.
Hyundai’s WRC team conducts its tests in Central Finland, around the Jämsä area. It’s likely the team will carry out their tests there before Christmas, as they have in previous years.
According to the latest weather forecasts, Central Finland is expected to see snowfall and freezing temperatures in the coming days, allowing testing to take place in proper winter conditions. In addition to Neuville, teammates Ott Tänak and Adrien Fourmaux are also expected to participate.
Royal Automobile Club of Belgium’s awards gala will take place on 19 December in Brussels. The 2025 season kicks off a month later with reconnaissance for Rally Monte Carlo.
