Mon 02 Dec 2024

Mikkelsen "proud" to see Neuville crowned champion

Andreas Mikkelsen has spent much of his career competing against his team-mate Thierry Neuville – but eight days ago in Japan he had nothing but pride after watching his friend climb to the top of the world.

While Mikkelsen’s own FORUM8 Rally Japan run went south with a crash in Isegami’s Tunnel, Belgian ace Neuville kept his i20 N Rally1 HYBRID on the straight and narrow to clinch a maiden world title.

Mikkelsen said: “I am so happy for Thierry. I grew up with him and have raced him since we both started out in national rallying. Being good mates as well, I am really emotional seeing him clinch the title. I’m very proud of him.”

Reflecting on his own outing on the Toyota City-based event, Mikkelsen felt he’d shown speed after his mistake on Friday.

“We were very fast and fighting at the front,” he said. “[We were] showing good speed and having a nice feeling in the car all day. I’m disappointed for the team as they really deserved the manufacturers’ title this year. Everyone has done such an amazing job, the car has been working well and very reliable all season, so it is tough to feel this title slip away from us.”

Sweden
Starts: Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 8:00:00 AM
Spain
Starts: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:00:00 AM
Turkey
Starts: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 8:30:00 AM