AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Thierry Neuville’s Title Chase Hits a Snag: Power Issues Force Rally Japan Slowdown

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
November 22, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Thierry Neuville’s Title Chase Hits a Snag: Power Issues Force Rally Japan Slowdown

Thierry Neuville (BEL) and Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL) of team HYUNDAI SHELL MOBIS WORLD RALLY TEAM are seen during the World Rally Championship Japan in Toyota city, Japan on November 21, 2024. // Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202411210231 // Usage for editorial use only //

Thierry Neuville’s march to his first World Rally Championship title has taken a dramatic twist at Rally Japan, as persistent power issues in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 threaten to derail his campaign. Despite a commanding 25-point lead over teammate Ott Tänak, Neuville now faces an uphill battle after slipping to third due to mechanical woes.


Morning Misery: Power Problems Strike

Neuville’s day started strong, with the Belgian firmly positioned in second place after three stages, a result more than sufficient to secure his maiden championship. But disaster struck midway through SS4, the final stage of the morning loop, as his car began losing power. He dropped 40 seconds to his rivals, slipping to third behind Tänak and Elfyn Evans.

With no midday service available, hopes of resolving the issue before the afternoon stages were dashed. Neuville himself confirmed the problem persisted as he prepared to tackle the second half of the day.

“No, unfortunately not,” he admitted when asked if the issue had been fixed. “It is what it is. Obviously not what we were looking for. Now the hard work throughout the year gets even more valuable with that 25-point lead in a situation like this.”


Hyundai’s Strategy Shift

Hyundai has been forced to adapt quickly to the setback. Rally organizers granted Tänak a five-minute gap ahead of Neuville on the afternoon stages—an adjustment from the usual three-minute interval—presumably to avoid any impact on Tänak’s pace as Neuville continues at reduced speed.

For Tänak, who currently leads the rally by 13.7 seconds over Evans, the focus has shifted to defending Hyundai’s manufacturers’ championship hopes as well as keeping his slim personal title chances alive.


Neuville’s Grit Tested

Despite the adversity, Neuville remains determined to see out the weekend and secure the title that has eluded him for years. His 25-point cushion provides some breathing room, but with two full days of rallying still ahead, any further issues could invite unexpected challenges.

“This is where the hard work throughout the year pays off,” Neuville said, signaling his resolve to fight through the difficulties.


What’s Next?

The afternoon stages will test Neuville’s resilience and Hyundai’s ability to adapt under pressure. Tänak, meanwhile, carries the weight of Hyundai’s manufacturers’ championship ambitions, as rival Toyota looms just 11 points behind.

As Rally Japan unfolds, the stakes are higher than ever. For Neuville, the dream of clinching his first WRC title now hinges on endurance and a little bit of luck in the face of mechanical adversity.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

NASCAR’s $4 Million Chicagoland Comeback Sparks Cup Star’s Urgent Warning: Don’t Ruin Our Track!
Motorsports

NASCAR’s $4 Million Chicagoland Comeback Sparks Cup Star’s Urgent Warning: Don’t Ruin Our Track!

NASCAR's Chicagoland Comeback: A $4 Million Gamble with a Star Driver's Dire Warning! Get ready to rev those engines because...

by David Castro
August 21, 2025
Oliver Bearman’s Astonishing Confidence Surge: Haas Upgrades Ignite F1 Rookie’s Performance!
Motorsports

Oliver Bearman’s Astonishing Confidence Surge: Haas Upgrades Ignite F1 Rookie’s Performance!

This asset - including all text, audio and imagery - is provided by Imagn Images. Reuters Connect has not verified...

by Virgilio Machado
August 21, 2025
Sauber’s Fearless Pursuit: Defying Audi’s Arrival and F1’s New Era for 2025 Glory!
Motorsports

Sauber’s Fearless Pursuit: Defying Audi’s Arrival and F1’s New Era for 2025 Glory!

Sauber's Bold Bid for 2025: Defying the Odds Amidst Audi Transition As the countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 revolution...

by Miguel Cunha
August 21, 2025
Sainz Unveils Shocking Williams Shortcomings: How Ferrari’s Power Leaves FW47 in the Dust!
Motorsports

Sainz Unveils Shocking Williams Shortcomings: How Ferrari’s Power Leaves FW47 in the Dust!

Formula One F1 - Hungarian Grand Prix - Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary - July 31, 2025 Williams' Carlos Sainz Jr. arrives...

by Harry Stone
August 21, 2025

Recent News

NASCAR’s $4 Million Chicagoland Comeback Sparks Cup Star’s Urgent Warning: Don’t Ruin Our Track!

NASCAR’s $4 Million Chicagoland Comeback Sparks Cup Star’s Urgent Warning: Don’t Ruin Our Track!

August 21, 2025
Oliver Bearman’s Astonishing Confidence Surge: Haas Upgrades Ignite F1 Rookie’s Performance!

Oliver Bearman’s Astonishing Confidence Surge: Haas Upgrades Ignite F1 Rookie’s Performance!

August 21, 2025
Sauber’s Fearless Pursuit: Defying Audi’s Arrival and F1’s New Era for 2025 Glory!

Sauber’s Fearless Pursuit: Defying Audi’s Arrival and F1’s New Era for 2025 Glory!

August 21, 2025
Sainz Unveils Shocking Williams Shortcomings: How Ferrari’s Power Leaves FW47 in the Dust!

Sainz Unveils Shocking Williams Shortcomings: How Ferrari’s Power Leaves FW47 in the Dust!

August 21, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks