WRC, Sportrik Media - Thierry Neuville will drive a Hyundai i20 N Rally1 in the East Belgian Rally on September 27, 2025, as Hyundai Motorsport aims to counter Toyota’s asphalt dominance in the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Held in Neuville’s hometown of St. Vith, this local rally offers critical testing mileage ahead of the Central European and Japan rallies. Sportrik Media’s analysis explores Neuville’s strategy and its potential impact on Hyundai’s season.
Background of Hyundai’s Asphalt Struggles
The 2025 WRC season has exposed Hyundai’s challenges on asphalt surfaces. While teammate Adrien Fourmaux secured a podium at the Monte Carlo Rally using soft Hankook tires, Hyundai’s performance at Rally Islas Canarias in April was lackluster, with Neuville finishing seventh. All three Hyundai cars trailed far behind Toyota Gazoo Racing.
With limited testing days, Rally1 teams often turn to national events for additional mileage. The East Belgian Rally, based in St. Vith, provides Hyundai an opportunity to address these shortcomings before the upcoming asphalt-heavy WRC rounds.
Neuville’s Strategy for East Belgian Rally
Neuville sees the rally as a chance to refine the i20 N Rally1. “We’re holding a preparation event in my hometown, St. Vith,” he said. “I’ll aim to enjoy it while working hard with the team to find improvements.” The focus will be on evolving the car’s core setup rather than fine-tuning, covering 88 competitive miles across three loops of four stages.
The rally’s slick and muddy conditions will test the car’s adaptability, offering valuable feedback for Hyundai’s asphalt development. Neuville hopes this will translate into better performance in the WRC’s next rounds.
Challenges in Asphalt Development
Hyundai’s asphalt progress has stalled due to the WRC calendar’s focus on gravel events in Europe and South America. “We haven’t seen much progress since Canarias, just minor details,” Neuville noted. He remains hopeful that the unique terrain of the East Belgian Rally will provide insights to enhance the i20 N Rally1’s competitiveness against Toyota’s dominant lineup, including drivers like Kalle Rovanperä.
The rally’s outcome is critical, as Hyundai seeks to close the gap with its rivals before the season’s asphalt-heavy finale.
Implications for Central European and Japan Rallies
Neuville’s participation in the East Belgian Rally aims to deliver crucial data to optimize the i20 N Rally1 for the Central European and Japan rallies, both asphalt-based events. “We’re focusing on car evolution before fine-tuning,” Neuville said, underscoring the rally’s role in Hyundai’s preparations.
Supported by team principal Cyril Abiteboul, Hyundai hopes this event will boost team morale and performance, setting the stage for a stronger showing against Toyota.
Hyundai’s decision to enter Thierry Neuville in the East Belgian Rally reflects a strategic push to overcome asphalt weaknesses. By leveraging local conditions for testing, Neuville aims to elevate Hyundai’s competitiveness in the WRC. Fans eagerly await whether this rally will mark a turning point for Hyundai in the crucial European and Japanese rounds.
Baca Juga
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