Neuville's Patience Tested as Hyundai Future Remains Unclear

Thierry Neuville finds himself in a precarious position. The 2024 WRC champion must wait for his future to be decided amid growing uncertainty surrounding Hyundai in the World Rally Championship. “I wait and I'm patient. It's not my strength,” he told RallyJournal.com on Friday (Feb 14).

The tension is not without reason. New WRC27 technical regulations will radically change the top class next year, and Hyundai has yet to commit. What is certain is that the Korean manufacturer will not build a new car to those regulations. It also appears almost certain that they will not develop a Rally2 WRC Kit upgrade for their Rally2 car.

Hyundai has said it will invest in developing its Rally2 car. At the same time, however, the team has not confirmed whether it will have an official factory presence in the WRC next season. For Neuville, who has represented Hyundai since 2014, this is the biggest test of patience in his career.

Baca JugaNeuville Terjepit Situasi Hyundai: Sabar Bukan Kekuatanku

“I don't like waiting, but it doesn't feel like a frustration at the moment. I'm very clear on what I'm doing until the end of the year. So I'm fine with that. And then we will see,” the 38-year-old said.

Amid this uncertainty, Neuville's options outside Hyundai look limited. Toyota is the only team to have developed a WRC27 car and has been testing it extensively, but their seats appear already taken for next season. M-Sport Ford, which has often fielded paying drivers in recent years, is also not a realistic option.

With that in mind, Neuville admits Hyundai remains his number one priority. “Everything is still very open, but it's clear that Hyundai is my number one priority,” he stressed.

If he stays, he would most likely have to compete in a Rally2-spec car next season. The question is whether he would have enough motivation for that. “I don't see any other option,” Neuville said with a laugh.