Confidence high as Neuville readies for Acropolis challenge

The Belgian sits third in the championship standings following his equal best-ever second place in Finland earlier this month. Neuville says that Jyväskylä score, allied to further restructuring within the team, has given him more confidence going into the final four rounds of the season.

Looking at the 36-point gap between himself and series leader Kalle Rovanperä, Neuville admits it’s difficult, but not insurmountable.

“It’s not mission impossible, but it’s a difficult mission,” he smiled. “We made a one-two-three in Greece last year and the team was on the top step of the podium in Japan last year [with Ott Tänak] and I know I have some good pace on Tarmac, so it can be interesting.

“Another good thing is the result from Elfyn [Evans] in Finland – this is bringing more pressure to Kalle because the gap is closer for them and who knows who might benefit from this!”

Neuville said the team was also enjoying a purple patch following the summer’s fast rallies, where it closed the gap to Toyota.

“The Toyotas are very strong,” said Neuville, “we know this. But we are in a very positive trend with the team. We are having some restructuring and this is ongoing and looking good. It’s going to be exciting for the rest of the season.”