Hyundai Motorsports Thierry Neuville scored a dominant victory in Rally Spain on Sunday where he came home over 24s ahead of second-placed Elfyn Evans in his Toyota. Speaking following the action he commented saying:
I am relieved to get to the end of this rally, to be honest. It has been a tough weekend, and not without its challenges. We have fought incredibly hard across all stages, taking a lot of fastest times, and gradually extending our advantage. The result itself probably doesn’t show how much we’ve had to work. We had a good clean run until the final stage; everything was working perfectly up to that point. Unfortunately, we had a lot of stress before the Power Stage with an engine starter motor issue. That was the only disappointing aspect of an otherwise positive rally. Thanks to Martijn for another good job, and our second win together, as well as to Dani and Cándido for their podium result.
Dani Sordo and new co-driver Candido Carrera scored their first podium finish together with third place which was Sordo’s second podium of the season and his 50th WRC career podium finish coming home in third place and speaking following the action he said:
Honestly you can’t imagine how happy I am, not only for myself but also for Cándido, as it’s our first podium working together. He has been working really hard to get us to this level. We couldn’t have done any more, we have pushed in every stage. Thanks to all my family and the supporters, who have been cheering us on this weekend. We have been involved in a fantastic battle with Sébastien and it has been a pleasure to drive here. Thanks to the team for giving me such a competitive car that has allowed us to fight, and for supporting me always. I am so happy.”
Team Principal Andrea Adamo said:
“I am delighted for my team because we have once again fought until the very end. It has been a tough rally, and a Power Stage that only thriller writers could have scripted – rain and late drama that generated a lot of emotions. We have achieved everything we could have this weekend. Thierry and Martijn have been amazing from start to finish, and they thoroughly deserve this win. What a composed and assured performance from them. Dani and Cándido have also accomplished something special. It would have been easy to settle into a comfortable rhythm on the final morning, but they pushed hard to claim third place and a clean sweep of stage wins. Full attack. We have managed to extend the championship battle until the season finale at Monza, which at least gives the fans something to see – we fight until the end.”