The Hyundai driver was 24 points clear two rallies ago, a margin which has been reduced to 15 points after his Toyota GAZOO Racing rival Elfyn Evans outscored him in Italy and most recently at ORLEN 80th Rally Poland.
Despite that change, Belgian star Neuville is still smiling as he sits at the top of the table.
“Poland was a big challenge,” he said. “For me it was mission accomplished. We knew it would be a tough one and I knew the key was not to push more than I was comfortable. I followed my instinct and waited to push hard on the [Wolf] Power Stage. We balanced the risk and we took what points we could.
“There was a lot of pressure and it was a nice feeling to come to the finish. It wasn’t so nice to be first on the road, I didn’t have so much feeling and it was just about managing the event and taking the points – the [points] you take on these rallies, they can be some of the most important from the whole season.”
Neuville has led the championship for the whole season following his round one win at Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Fri 12 Jul 2024
Neuville stays cool despite WRC lead shrinking
Thierry Neuville is remaining calm despite his lead at the top of the FIA World Rally Championship standings shrinking for the second event in succession.
Japan
Poland
Turkey