Penasse at Belgium magazine

Alain, what do you think of the first half season of Thierry Neuville in the WRC?
"Since the beginning of the season, Thierry holds the super form. He took another step. He now approaches the rallies in a different way. He is calm, serene, sure of himself. He traces his races and his attitude on those of Ogier. "
Today, he returned to the 2nd place of the World, to 18 units of the quadruple champion of the French world. Can he always be crowned World Champion?
"I'm convinced, yes. He misses his two results of the start of the season, Monte Carlo and Sweden, where he lost two wins and nearly fifty points following small mistakes with great consequences. Otherwise, it would be far ahead. Ogier finished and scored big points each time. But he could also have once bad luck. And if that day, Thierry is in front he will fill the hole at a stroke. Since the beginning of the year, Hyundai-Neuville has signed the most scratches. So I imagine that he will take points on every rally in Ogier. "
Everyone agrees today that the Hyundai is the best WRC, the one with the best package. And yet you are 40 points behind M-Sport Ford in the builders' standings. How do you explain that?
"There are several factors. First the two victories lost in view of the arrival at the beginning of the year. Then the very bad start of season of Hayden Paddon. We also encountered some technical problems that cost us a few precious points as in Sardinia where Thierry should have won without a problem of brakes. Finally, we must admit that our opponents have a very good set of pilots this year. It will be tight, but we're going to fight. The title of the manufacturers is very important for the Koreans. "
Malcolm Wilson, the boss of M-Sport, clearly stated that he was ready to do anything to help Ogier crown the crown. Including giving instructions to his other pilots (Tanak and Evans) as he has already done in Portugal. Are you willing to do the same for Thierry?
"We still have to think about that. We'll see when we get into the situation. But it is clear that the title pilot is a priority and that this could be played at the end of years to a few points. Thierry is our candidate for the crown and if we can help him by changing the order of our drivers for a second or third place, why not? It is not forbidden. "