Thierry Neuville is hopeful contract renewal talks can start quickly as soon as Hyundai’s plan to utilise its growth jokers for its World Rally Championship automobile is confirmed.
The WRC factors chief is within the remaining 12 months of his present contract with the Korean marque, that marks his eleventh season with the Alzenau operation.
Neuville has beforehand acknowledged a need to proceed competing in WRC’s prime tier though the Belgian admitted earlier this 12 months that his future within the class was threatened by the uncertainty over the WRC’s technical rules for subsequent 12 months that prompted doubts over Hyundai’s participation within the championship.
Since these feedback, the FIA introduced a U-turn on the proposed technical reforms earlier this month following a request for stability in rules led by the producers.
Neuville says his future continues to be but to be secured because the five-time championship runner-up awaits remaining affirmation over Hyundai’s growth joker plan. The staff is hoping to make use of two years’ price of jokers bettering its i20 N after it was compelled to cancel growth of a brand new automobile because of the uncertainty in technical rules triggered by the FIA’s February reforms.
“I’ve no affirmation about something but, however I knew that the choice from the World Motor Sport Council and the appliance of the present jokers and future jokers had been crucial, and I do know that has been all labored out in a great way,” Neuville informed Autosport/Motorsport.com when requested about his future at Hyundai.
“I imagine that it’s going effectively however I’ve no affirmation, so let’s see. If I get affirmation it [contract talks] will begin very quickly.”
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Crew Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photograph by: McKlein / Motorsport Pictures
Neuville is nonetheless relieved that the World Motor Sport Council determined to uphold the request of the producers to retain the present Rally1 and Rally2 technical rules till the tip of 2026.
This transfer coupled with the WRC Promoter’s roadmap to enhance the promotion of the championship has given Neuville motive to imagine that the collection can enhance its recognition.
“For me it’s a large aid for certain. I imagine there are 4 producers which are relived in addition to all of them requested [for the rules to stay the same],” he added.
“I believe that’s essential. There was extra of a must safe the present producers for the upcoming two seasons than altering the foundations with no affirmation of any new producer.
“I believe the FIA understood that it was essential to safe the present producers and never solely contemplating the foundations, presenting a roadmap for the promotion and evolution of the promotion of the championship.
“I’m comfortable and there are nonetheless issues to work on for certain. However with [Sebastien Ogier’s former co-driver] Julien Ingrassia concerned with the promoter now to make a hyperlink between the drivers and the promoter, and to have his view on issues, and Scott Martin [Elfyn Evans’ co-driver] representing the drivers within the WRC Fee, I believe collectively we can convey it [the WRC] to a different stage.”
