Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville is on the cusp of securing his first FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) drivers’ title this week at the Central European Rally, running from 17 to 20 October. After five runner-up finishes in previous seasons, Neuville is poised to shed his “nearly-man” label and claim the 2024 title, with just two rounds left in the season.
Driving a Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID, Neuville holds a 29-point lead over his teammate Ott Tänak, with Toyota drivers Sébastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans trailing by 41 and 46 points, respectively. Neuville’s path to victory is clear—he needs to outscore Tänak by two points while maintaining a solid margin over Ogier and Evans.
Neuville’s consistency throughout the season, paired with his past success at this event—he won the inaugural Central European Rally last year—puts him in a strong position. “The main goal is to manage our championship and take as many points as possible,” Neuville said, while keeping his focus on a smooth and steady run.
The Central European Rally presents a tough challenge with its mix of Tarmac surfaces, unpredictable weather, and stages spanning Austria, the Czech Republic, and Germany. The rally kicks off in Prague and covers 18 stages, culminating in Passau, Germany, on Sunday, after a grueling 302.51 kilometers of competition.
Toyota’s Ogier, currently third in the standings, sees this rally as another “home” event due to its proximity to his Munich residence. Meanwhile, Hyundai’s three-car lineup also includes Andreas Mikkelsen, as the team aims to secure both individual and team victories.
The stage is set for a thrilling finish as Neuville looks to finally claim the WRC crown that has long eluded him.
Source: WRC
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
