He's right, there had to be a decision made that ensured the Manufacturers Title in that situation. Risking throwing away the whole team season's work was ridiculous.
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He's also right that Hyundai need to field a 4th car in 2025 to fight Toyota.
“I mean obviously it’s a strong line-up for sure,” Neuville commented. “I believe that it’s a good choice in terms of driver line-up and three full-time drivers. But I also believe that a fourth guy can be very helpful, especially with Toyota having five in some events.”
Then why you didnt mention the unluckiest accident from last season?
I agree that Tänak made an unforgivable mistake in Japan. But he was still theoretically driving for the title. Mikkelsen, who made stupid mistakes in the Central Europe Rally and also in Japan, rather fell short. He was brought in to drive with the sole purpose of bringing points to the team.
Mikkelsen brought 17 manu points over those two last rallies to Hyundai. More specifically in Japan he made the title fight last to the power stage where both him and Neuville failed vs Ogier. (Toyota would win title even if PS ended Ogier-Neuville-Mikkelsen-Evans)
Tanak brought 22 manu points over the same two rallies. Much more importantly he crashed out when told to drive safely for 5th-ish place on Sunday (Abitebouls words) losing Hyundai a secured title. Being last on the road on a stage that was getting very dirty with at least 3 early running cars pushing he had no chance to ever get driver title.
Even in the case of Neuville crashing 2 Toyotas were pushing on Sunday (Katsuta focusing on PS) as it was the only way to secure title + Mikkelsen was pushing cause he was first on road and had no points to guard. So Tanak would never get full Sunday+PS points.
Unforgettable mistake is indeed the right word. Do wonder why is there a need to point at someone else?
Two rallies before Lappi brought 0 manu points in Chile, should we start blaming him as well, or Tanak for the rally ending crash in Finland, or Neuville for CER off?
Nope, no other situation compares to throwing away a secured title by Tanak on Sunday in Japan.
Team principal says that there will be 2025 spec car in Sweden:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuvi...ebut-timeline/
Anyone knows if they will debut also new livery before Monte?
I was thinking they maybe will do it with the new car from Sweden