The penultimate round of the season, the Central European Rally, will take place next week across the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. Hyundai driver Neuville has the chance to secure his first-ever orld championship title on tarmac.
Neuville’s title will be confirmed if he holds a lead of more than 30 points over his nearest rival after the event. Currently, Neuville has a 29-point lead over his teammate Ott Tänak and a 41-point gap to Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier.
In Central Europe, Neuville will finally benefit from being the first on the road. With no loose gravel to sweep, the Belgian has every opportunity to seal the championship in just over a week.
Neuville will prepare thoroughly for the rally, as he plans to participate in the Herbst Rally in Austria this weekend as a test.
“It’s clear that in the last rallies we’ve gotten much closer to our goal. Now we need to use all our energy and the opportunities we have to spend more time in the car – and use those to be as well-prepared as possible,” Neuville told German Rallye-Magazin.
“The championship is important, both championships are important for Hyundai. So, we need to perform well at Central European Rally to secure the driver’s title. That would, of course, be the ideal scenario – so we can then focus solely on the manufacturers’ title (at Rally Japan),” Neuville outlined.
Neuville has led the WRC standings since the season opener in Monte Carlo. He has managed to defend his lead effectively, even on gravel rallies, with seven consecutive rounds on gravel before this upcoming tarmac rally in Central Europe.
“On tarmac, the situation is different. There, we should generally have an advantage being the first on the road – and we need to capitalise on that. It should allow us to drive fast while taking less risk,” Neuville said.
“Of course, we need to keep an eye on our main rival, Ott Tänak. We need just one more point than him at Central European Rally to secure the drivers’ title.”
