Neuville not satisfied with the part-time drivers of the WRC Rally Portugal

WRC overall leader Thierry Neuville will be the first on the Rally Portugal track, clearing the way to their occasional competitors.

After four rounds, the Hyundai star is happy with his six-point lead over Toyota rival Elfin Evans, but he is less pleased that Evans’ team-mates Sebastien Ogier and Calle Rovanpera will be competing in Rally Portugal. These two drivers of the “Toyota” team will start in more advantageous positions – from the fifth and seventh starting places, respectively. Neuville’s teammate Dani Sordo will also have a very good starting position on Friday, as the Spaniard will be the last of the Rally1 cars to start on Friday.

What’s worse for a Belgian? Current weather forecasts show that the sun will shine during the rally, which does not promise easy days for Neuville.

Photo: Honza Froněk

Asked about his chances ahead of Rally Portugal, Neuville told DirtFish: “I’m not so sure about a good result. To be first on the road when everyone else who’s only been driving for half or part of the season is starting from a better starting position… it’s disappointing for us. We know it will be difficult there.”

“We don’t expect much in this rally, except for a good starting position on Sunday, at least would grab some extra points. It’s the only thing we can do.”

“Success in Portugal depends on the same factors as always: we need consistency, good regulation and trust in the car. The starting position will have a big impact on our performance. If it rains we will be fast, but if it is dry it will be more difficult for us because everyone he knows these stages well,” concludes Neuville, whose best result in the Rally of Portugal is a victory in 2018 and two second places.