Thierry Neuville’s Explosive Critique of Hankook Tires Shakes Up WRC Acropolis Rally
Belgian rally driver Thierry Neuville caused a stir at the World Rally Championship’s Acropolis Rally Greece by unleashing a scathing attack on the championship’s Hankook control tires. The reigning world champion expressed his frustration after encountering a string of issues during the event, leading to a significant drop in the rankings.
Neuville, who faced punctures in consecutive stages, plummeted from the top spot to eighth place, attributing his setbacks to the subpar performance of the Hankook tires. The challenges were not exclusive to Neuville, as nearly all Rally1 participants, with the exception of his Hyundai teammate Adrien Fourmaux, grappled with tire damage and punctures on the rugged gravel tracks.
The Hyundai driver’s woes continued as a slow puncture on his right rear tire cost him valuable time in stage eight, followed by further tire damage on the left rear in the subsequent stage. Despite the setbacks, Neuville managed to claw his way back to seventh place overall, but his dissatisfaction remained palpable.
In a candid moment, Neuville criticized the quality of the tires, stating, “The tires are not on the level. If you see why we puncture, it’s just insane. Playing on that level with such a product is not possible. We get punished all the time for nothing, it’s not fun. It’s just luck that decides.”
Neuville’s scathing remarks extended beyond the race track as he highlighted issues with tire reliability, emphasizing the unsuitability of such products for a championship of this caliber. The driver expressed disbelief at the tire’s behavior, citing anomalies like sudden air loss without visible damage and unprecedented punctures.
Hankook, in its debut year as the WRC’s control tire supplier, faced unprecedented scrutiny following the Acropolis Rally, renowned for its challenging conditions. Responding to Neuville’s outburst, the tire manufacturer acknowledged the difficulties faced during the event and pledged to address the concerns raised.
Steven Cho, a spokesperson for Hankook, reassured stakeholders of ongoing tire developments aimed at enhancing durability and performance. Despite the setbacks witnessed in Greece, Hankook remains committed to refining its products in collaboration with manufacturers and the FIA, signaling a proactive approach to future challenges.
As the WRC navigates through a season fraught with unforeseen obstacles, Neuville’s critique sheds light on the pivotal role of tire technology in the world of rally racing. The repercussions of his bold statements reverberate through the motorsport community, underscoring the relentless pursuit of excellence and reliability in every aspect of competition.
