Thierry Neuville edged one step closer to his first World Rally Championship title after Acropolis Rally Greece.
The Belgian has established himself as a top talent in the WRC, with 21 wins, 68 podiums and 405 stage wins since his debut as a private entry in 2009.
Despite his success, Neuville has never gone that extra step and claimed the championship win, having finished second five times, four of which behind Toyota driver Sebastien Ogier.
The 2024 season has brought about another title battle between the rivals. With the Belgian holding a 27-point lead going into the latest event. Ogier took a swipe at Neuville in Greece as the battle for the championship intensified.
But after the event, it looks to have swung firmly in favour of the Hyundai driver as Neuville extended his advantage at the top.
Thierry Neuville says management is key as he eyes his maiden WRC title
Toyota had a disastrous weekend in Greece with multiple issues and accidents for drivers Ogier, Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta.
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While the eight-time champion languished in 16th, Hyundai took full advantage and secured a one-two-three finish with Neuville winning his second rally of the season. Dani Sordo returned to the i20 N Rally1 car to finish second, with Ott Tanak third.
The result gives Neuville a 34-point lead over Tanak as the Estonian jumps ahead of Ogier by four points. Hyundai also extend their lead in the manufacturers’ championship over Toyota to 35 points.
Speaking to the WRC website, Neuville pinpointed what he has to do to maintain his advantage and finally secure the WRC crown.
“\We have never been in a better position,” he said.
“We have been in the championship fight until the end of the season before now, but we have never been this close with such a big lead, that’s for sure.
“It’s all about the management now. We need to focus on our job, like we have done on every single event with our own targets and try to bring it home.”
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Hyundai look set to win both WRC titles in 2024
Neuville is desperate for the title having come agonisingly close on multiple occasions, and he finds himself in a great position to win it with three rounds to go.
Toyota’s miserable weekend in Greece has given Neuville and Hyundai a strong advantage as they look set to claim both world championships.
The Japanese manufacturer’s team principal Jari-Matti Latvala urged his drivers to forget about their title hopes as they look to focus their attention on winning the rounds in Chile, Central Europe and Japan.
While this relaxed approach may benefit Toyota, it would take a miracle at this stage for Hyundai and Neuville to lose out on the title again.