World Rally Championship factors chief Thierry Neuville is eager for a nationwide rally outing or further seat time to assist put together for upcoming quick gravel rallies in Latvia and Finland.
Neuville revealed his need for extra time behind the wheel of his Rally1 i20 N after his factors lead over Toyota’s Elfyn Evans decreased from 18 to fifteen factors during a frustrating Rally Poland last week.
The Belgian has beforehand discovered quick gravel rallies tough, however final yr made vital progress on these kind of roads, highlighted by second place finishes in Estonia and Finland.
Nevertheless, Neuville admitted that he struggled with new engine mapping on his i20 N in Poland on high of the drawback of beginning first on the street. Because of this, he completed fourth general, choosing up 14 factors.
“On Saturday I missed two further factors by one tenth [to Rally1 debutant Martins Sesks] and on Sunday I missed an additional level by three tenths [to Evans], so it’s actually irritating,” Neuville advised Autosport after amassing six factors on Saturday, three on Sunday and 5 within the Energy Stage.
“We got here right here with new engine maps, and I didn’t really feel comfy for the reason that starting with it, so I misplaced a while.
“And I used to be cleansing the street, so lots of issues got here collectively mainly.”
With testing restricted to 21 days per producer throughout a yr, Neuville is searching for alternatives for extra outings behind the wheel.
Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Crew
Photograph by: McKlein / Motorsport Images
The testing restrict set by the FIA is designed to chop prices, however groups have circumvented the restrictions by fielding vehicles into nationwide rallies exterior of the WRC calendar.
Hyundai has already taken this strategy this season when Andreas Mikkelsen contested an asphalt rally in Alba, Italy in April, whereas Ott Tanak is about to drive the i20 N Rally1 in an invitational class at Rally Estonia subsequent week.
“I want to [do a private rally], and I’ll undoubtedly ask my crew for a chance to drive earlier than the following rally,” added Neuville.
“My final time testing in Finland [at Hyundai’s test base] was on snow in February. The second final check was cancelled and the opposite one, it was just for Andreas and Ott.
“I undoubtedly want extra seating time on these quick roads.”
Hyundai’s WRC programme supervisor Christian Loriaux says the crew will look into Neuville’s request.
“It’s not within the plan for the time being, however there may be all the time an opportunity, however we must look into it,” he advised Autosport.
“Budgets will not be infinity, and we want time and the check automobile accessible. However for certain it’s not to be excluded.”