Thierry Neuville is on the verge of shedding his reputation as the FIA World Rally Championship’s “nearly-man” by clinching the 2024 drivers’ title at this week’s Central European Rally (17 – 20 October).
The Belgian, who drives an i20 N Rally1 HYBRID for Hyundai Motorsport, starts this penultimate round of the season carrying a 29-point lead over team-mate Ott Tänak, with Toyota men Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans 41 and 46 points back respectively.
Since stepping up to WRC’s top level in 2012, Neuville has endured the heartbreak of finishing runner-up in the championship five times. That long wait could finally come to an end if he outscores Tänak by two points while ensuring he loses no more than 10 points to Ogier and 15 to Evans.
With its distinctive cross-border format, Central European Rally presents a stern Tarmac challenge. The stages combine smooth and rough asphalt, flat and hilly roads, and alternate between wide and narrow sections. Unpredictable weather is another key factor and adds further complexity to the event, which kicks off in Czech capital Prague on Thursday and features stages across Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany.
Neuville and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe won the inaugural edition of this rally last year and are joined by Tänak and Andreas Mikkelsen in Hyundai’s three-car line-up. While a championship victory is within his grasp, the Belgian remains focused on consistency.
“The main goal is to manage our championship so we can take many points as possible,” he insisted. “Of course, we would like to get that title in our pocket, but our first focus will be having a consistent run.”
Ogier, currently third in the standings, forms part of Toyota’s four-car GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID entry alongside Evans, the returning Takamoto Katsuta, and rising star Sami Pajari. The Frenchman, who resides near Munich, is eager to see large crowds at what he considers another “home” event.
“It's another home event for me, only two hours away from Munich,” he said. “Last year there were a lot of people at this rally and I'm sure it will be the case this year again.”
M-Sport Ford will field three Puma Rally1 HYBRIDs for Adrien Fourmaux, Grégoire Munster and Greek driver Jourdan Serderidis. The British team’s 2024 season, including behind-the-scenes moments, is being captured in the ‘More than Machine’ docuseries, available to watch on WRC’s YouTube channel.
The rally comprises 18 stages and wraps up on Sunday afternoon in Passau, Germany, after 302.51 competitive kilometres.
