Thierry Neuville is very close to winning the World Rally Championship, with two rounds to go after a superb season for Hyundai.
The Belgian has been consistent over the year, taking two victories and making very few errors in an excellent season.
Neuville leads the standings by 29 points over his nearest rival, Ott Tanak, as the WRC season draws to a close.
The final couple of rounds of the season will take place on tarmac with the Central European Rally and the season finale at Rally Japan.
Neuville is looking forward to ending the year on asphalt after seven consecutive rallies held on gravel this season.
He explained when talking to the FIA World Rally Championship YouTube channel that he is eagerly anticipating the final two rounds and leaving gravel behind.
Thierry Neuville explained the Central European Rally is ‘more intense’ because of the fine margins on the limit
Neuville is heading into the Central European Rally on good form, taking fourth place last time out at Rally Chile for Hyundai.
Tarmac is a very different surface to drive on than gravel, and the setup is also slightly different, as the car will likely sit lower to the ground with stiffer suspension.
Neuville explained that he is looking forward to the Central European Rally as the margins are so fine when exploring the limits of grip.
He said: “We have had a lot of gravel rallies in a row now, so for sure, I’m looking forward to some more tarmac events. Get back on tarmac is always great. It’s different.
“From my side, I feel it more intense on the driving. You can go closer to the limit, but if you’re over the limit, you are off immediately. So it’s why I like a lot.”
Thierry Neuville is on the verge of clinching his first World Rally Championship title
Neuville has come agonisingly close to winning the world championship but has fallen short on multiple occasions.
He has finished second on five occasions and had to settle for third place in each of the last three WRC events.
The Hyundai driver has the championship in his grasp and only has to outscore his nearest rival, Tanak, over the weekend to win the title, while Sebastian Ogier and Elfyn Evans are also in contention.
Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul has outlined how the manufacturer can maximise their performance at the Central European Rally.
Neuville has been very measured over the season, staying very calm, which has served him well, as the 36-year-old hasn’t made a lot of errors.