Thierry Neuville is undoubtedly one of the most talented drivers in the history of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Born on 16 June 1988 in Saint Vith, Belgium, his career has been a relentless pursuit of excellence, culminating in numerous podium finishes and near-misses in the WRC title race. He has long been seen as a future world champion, yet the elusive drivers’ title has so far slipped through his fingers. With the 2024 season nearing its conclusion, Neuville stands on the precipice of achieving his long-awaited goal.
As he enters the final stages of this season with a commanding lead, his recent performance at the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece was a true statement of intent. Neuville’s dominance, along with Hyundai Motorsport’s 1-2-3 finish, underscores the Belgian’s resolve and Hyundai’s capability this year.
Early Career and Rise to the WRC Elite
Neuville’s journey to the top of world rallying began in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) in 2010, where he demonstrated impressive speed and consistency. He secured fourth place in the series, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of manufacturers.
His breakthrough came in 2012 when he joined the Citroën World Rally Team. Although his first season in a WRC car was a learning experience, Neuville’s raw pace became evident. He finished 7th in the drivers’ standings, scoring points in multiple events and securing a fifth-place finish at Rally Sardinia.
2013 was a pivotal year in Neuville’s career. Driving for the Qatar World Rally Team in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, he finished runner-up in the WRC standings behind the indomitable Sébastien Ogier. His consistency throughout the season, with four second-place finishes, confirmed that he was not just a fast driver but a serious contender for future championships.
Hyundai Motorsport and the Era of Consistency
In 2014, Neuville made a bold move to join Hyundai Motorsport, a team that had re-entered the WRC after a long hiatus. The first few seasons were challenging, as Hyundai worked to develop a competitive car. Despite the difficulties, Neuville achieved Hyundai’s maiden WRC victory at Rally Germany in 2014, a landmark moment for both the driver and the team.
From 2016 onwards, Neuville’s career with Hyundai flourished. He consistently fought at the sharp end of the championship, finishing as the runner-up in the drivers’ standings five times (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019). This period saw him narrowly miss out on titles, often falling short to Ogier’s dominance with Volkswagen and later with M-Sport Ford.
A Driving Force Behind Hyundai’s Growth
While Neuville’s individual performances have been noteworthy, his contribution to Hyundai’s growth as a WRC powerhouse cannot be overstated. Under his guidance and feedback, Hyundai went from being a mid-tier team to becoming genuine title contenders. His loyalty to the team, even during the tough early years, was a testament to his commitment.
Hyundai’s first manufacturers’ title in 2019 was a huge achievement, and Neuville’s role in that success was pivotal. Although his pursuit of a drivers’ title continued to evade him, his influence on the team’s development was undeniable.
Stand-Out Performances in the WRC
2014 Rally Germany – The First Victory
Neuville’s victory at Rally Germany in 2014 was a defining moment in his career. Driving the Hyundai i20 WRC, Neuville capitalised on misfortunes that befell other leading drivers, including Volkswagen’s Ogier, and secured his first WRC victory. It was a historic win, marking Hyundai’s first-ever triumph in the WRC, just eight months after the team’s return to the championship.
This victory not only established Neuville as a race-winner but also cemented his status as Hyundai’s lead driver. For the Belgian, this triumph was particularly sweet as it came on asphalt, his preferred surface, and in front of his home crowd, with Germany being one of the closest events to Belgium.
2017 Rally Argentina – The Narrowest of Margins
Another stand-out moment in Neuville’s career came at the 2017 Rally Argentina, where he claimed victory in one of the closest finishes in WRC history. Battling against Elfyn Evans, Neuville trailed by a fraction of a second going into the final stage. However, in a dramatic finish, he beat Evans by just 0.7 seconds, clinching the win in one of the most nail-biting rallies ever.
This performance showcased Neuville’s nerves of steel and ability to deliver under immense pressure. The victory was his second of the 2017 season and placed him firmly in contention for the title that year.
2019 Rally Sardinia – The Heartbreak
While Neuville has enjoyed many highs in his career, the 2019 Rally Sardinia brought one of his most painful defeats. Leading the rally on the final day, disaster struck when his suspension failed just kilometres from the finish, handing the victory to Ogier. The emotional impact of this loss was profound, as Neuville had been on course to take a crucial win in his battle for the championship.
This moment encapsulated the highs and lows of Neuville’s career – always on the cusp of greatness, but often denied by cruel misfortune or the relentless competition in the WRC.
A 2024 Title Within Reach
As the 2024 season draws to a close, Neuville finds himself in the strongest position he has ever been to secure his first WRC drivers’ title. Following a series of impressive performances, including a dominant win at the Acropolis Rally Greece, Neuville now leads the championship by 34 points, ahead of his Hyundai teammate Ott Tänak.
Speaking after his Acropolis win, Neuville expressed confidence in his current position, stating, “We have never been in a better position. We have been in the championship fight until the end of the season before now, but we have never been this close with such a big lead, that’s for sure.”
His success this year can be attributed to a combination of factors, not least the improvements made within Hyundai Motorsport. Neuville has credited the team’s new engineers, restructuring, and a more efficient methodology of work as key elements behind their recent success.
“We have a car which is fast on every single event, which hasn’t always been the case in previous years,” he explained. “I have been taking fewer risks on some of the events than I did in the past because, with less risk, I can still keep up with the others and the best.”
Neuville’s approach in 2024 has been notably measured. In the past, he has often pushed his car to the limit, sometimes resulting in costly errors. This season, however, he has managed to find the perfect balance between speed and caution, allowing him to maintain his championship lead while minimising risks.
With just three rounds remaining in the 2024 season, Neuville stands on the brink of making history. The upcoming Rally Chile, Rally Japan, and Rally Monza will be decisive in his quest for the title. His ability to manage the pressure and maintain his lead will be crucial.
For Neuville, the title would not only be the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance but also a validation of his decision to remain loyal to Hyundai during both the highs and lows. A drivers’ title would elevate him from being one of the WRC’s nearly men to joining the ranks of world champions like Ogier and Loeb.
WRC Career Stats
WRC Rally Wins: 21
WRC Stage Wins: 405
WRC Rally Starts: 159
