Hyundai Motorsport achieved its goal in the Ypres Rally with the victory of Thierry Neuville and the second place of Craig Breen. The South Korean firm is immersed in the fight for the WRC drivers and constructors title, although it is true that it still has an unfavorable situation in relation to Toyota. For this reason, Hyundai’s staff and drivers know they have to keep up at the Acropolis Rally to continue narrowing the gap. Thierry Neuville serves as the spearhead as the only driver still in the fight for the individual title, although Ott Tänak and Dani Sordo they must give the best of themselves thinking about the team general.
The harshness of the Acropolis Rally makes the Greek event an all or nothing for Hyundai. And that’s something that Thierry Neuville knows: “The Acropolis Rally is going to be a difficult event. When I raced there in 2012 and 2013, it was one of the toughest rallies, although I always enjoyed it. We tested in Greece two years ago to prepare for Rally Turkey, so we have some knowledge of the terrain. The stages are narrow, twisty and with many loose stones, all with great heat. It will be a great challenge, since you must not only go at full speed, but you must control the car and the tires. The strategy will be very important».
Ott Tänak is out of the title fight, but it can be key in the team fight. The Estonian is looking for his second win of the season: “We have had a long wait since the last Acropolis Rally eight years ago. It is an event with a lot of history and tradition behind it.. It is a rally that deserves the WRC and it is good to be back. The last time I raced there was in 2012, a long time ago, but I have very good memories. I think this event is a good substitute for Rally Turkey, which is usually the toughest event of the year. I think it’s going to be really nice, but it will be quite demanding».