Points leader Neuville takes positives from brutal Safari

Despite a troubled event in Africa, the Belgian doubled his three-point advantage to move on to round four, six points clear of Toyota’s Elfyn Evans. Neuville was running second in Kenya until a fuel-related issue hobbled his i20 N Rally1 Hybrid and cost him 10 minutes.

Neuville finished the event fifth, but scored 11 from a possible 12 points on Super Sunday – a result which included a stunning fastest time on the Wolf Power Stage.

Neuville said: “Taking more points [in the championship] is something good from – we have a bigger lead than when we arrived to Kenya. From that side, it’s good. But, for sure, we could have done better.

“Unfortunately, we got hit by some problems but despite this, we kept fighting. On Sunday, there was the opportunity to take loads of points – we scored 11 out of 12, so we’re satisfied to be the second best performer today. We would have loved to get more, especially after three consecutive difficult years here in Kenya.

“There is still room for improvement but we have managed to increase the lead in the championship and got a good road position for Croatia. On to the next one.”