Thierry Neuville: "I wouldn't be very proud to be champion this year"

On the eve of the Monza Rally, the last round of the world championship, Thierry Neuville, still mathematically in contention for the title, answered our questions.

Thierry, how is this last event of the season looking?

"It promises to be a very difficult rally, with small gaps around the circuit during the first and third stages and a surprising day in the mountains on Saturday. We had a lot of fog, snow and soup during the reconnaissance and that It promises to be complicated. The role of the openers promises to be important and the choice of tires will prove to be decisive. A truck of snow tires has arrived in case the winter conditions are confirmed. "

Does the fact of having multiplied national events since August give Hyundai an advantage?

"I hope so. Toyota has driven very little on the asphalt since Monte-Carlo. This is not our case and we intend to take advantage of it. The car has evolved well. I feel very comfortable. comfortable behind the wheel. The main objective is of course to keep the constructors' title. "

As for the pilots, you don't really think about it even if you still have a mathematical chance?

"No. The day the cancellation of Ypres was announced my last hopes were gone. Elfyn just had to finish in the top five which he will be doing on a regular basis and I didn't have any more. Luckily. Either way, it's not the right year to be champion. I discussed it with my manager and told him that I wouldn't be very proud to be crowned after a year like this. Evans is in a wheelchair. Now he has not had any problems this season, which he is not immune to a glitch either. And then we can count on Seb Ogier to put pressure on him, also on a psychological level. It's going to be war! "

Second or third in the championship, do you mind?

"Yes I don't care. I've been runner-up enough times already."

But fourth behind Ott Tanak, would that bother you?

"Ah yes that's for sure, but that's not going to happen."

The goal of the weekend is clearly to end the season as you started it?

"Absolutely. We want to win. Everyone wants to win this rally. All the while thinking that there is a brand title to keep at home."

We canceled Ypres two weeks ago but we're driving to Monza, okay?

"Here we are on a circuit, there is nobody, no public. It's easier to control. And then you have to evolve. You have to continue to live despite the virus. It's my job and I want to keep working. We have to learn to live with this pandemic. It was important to restart to prepare for next season. "

Who starts when?

"Already next week with the Monte-Carlo tests."

Who will take place?

"Yes, I think so because they can also organize it behind closed doors."

Do you have any guarantees that Hyundai will still be present in the WRC in 2022?

"Today, there is no guarantee for anything. But I am confident, yes."

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