NEUVILLE SIGNS WITH HYUNDAI FOR 2014

Belgium’s Thierry Neuville has been confirmed as lead driver of Hyundai Motorsport’s World Rally Championship programme from 2014. The 25-year-old has signed a multi-year agreement, which the Korean manufacturer says represents a serious commitment by both parties to build towards long-term success in the WRC. A string of six consecutive podiums, including four second place finishes, has made Neuville the hottest property in the end-of-season transfer market. As reported on wrc.com on 25 October, Neuville was also offered a full programme in a Ford Fiesta RS by his current M-Sport squad. Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal, Michel Nandan said: “Thierry is having a fantastic 2013 season and is proving himself to be one of the most exciting young drivers in WRC. His raw speed, driving skill and dynamic approach to rallying make him the ideal lead driver for Hyundai.”  By signing a driver of Thierry’s talent, we can show that Hyundai’s WRC engagement is serious and focussed on long-term success.”   “It is also great recognition for the work that the entire team has carried out in such a short time. We both share similar values and objectives to win the championship in the long-term so we are proud to have Thierry in the team and as an ambassador for the Hyundai Motorsport brand,” he added.   Neuville, along with his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul, will pilot Hyundai’s new i20 world rally car in all 13 WRC events in 2014, beginning with the team’s debut at the Monte-Carlo Rally in January. It will be the Belgian driver’s third consecutive WRC season. Neuville believes that the new deal with Hyundai is ‘the perfect fit’ for him. “It is a young, emerging and ambitious manufacturer team with long-term objectives for championship success and I have long held aspirations of driving for a manufacturer team,” he explained. “I was impressed with the team’s facility, their approach to the rally programme and their clear potential. I hope my two years of experience in WRC will be beneficial to the team as we build a harmonious working partnership. We know we have a steep learning curve ahead of us in our first season but I am convinced we will have a successful future together.”