Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul scored Hyundai Motorsport’s best ever Wales Rally GB result after a competitive weekend on the muddy and foggy forest stages. They finished second – behind the winner and home hero Elfyn Evans.
The crew took a ten-second penalty on Thursday evening but fought back spectacularly to claim their seventh podium of the season. Unfortunately, it was not enough to keep the title fight open. Despite that Neuville will look to build further on his 183 Championship points in Rally Australia to confirm second place in the drivers’ title.
“Our congratulations to Sébastien [Ogier] on his fifth WRC title, and to M-Sport”, Neuville said after the rally.
“We got the message just before the start of the Power Stage that he had done enough. It has been a really exciting battle this year and although we have had our moments of misfortune, we have enjoyed some great fights along the way. Everyone in the team has worked incredibly hard this year, so we can be pleased with our performances and for playing our part in the Championship fight. We could not have done any more this weekend. Elfyn was on incredible form, so to finish second to him is a great achievement. Our five Power Stage points show our performance level this weekend, and I have enjoyed the rally, despite having to concede the Championship. We will now aim to finish the season well in Australia and to secure second place ahead of Ott [Tanak].”
Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul scored Hyundai Motorsport’s best ever Wales Rally GB result
We can be happy about this race!
?Max points in the PS
2️⃣nd of the O/A of #WRGB
Back in 2️⃣nd position in the drivers’ standings
?? #WRC pic.twitter.com/fZ4bLBWgwt— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) October 29, 2017
“It’s been a tough season sometimes but we had great performances too! It was not enough this year. Congratulations to @SebOgier!” #WRC
— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) October 29, 2017
