Thierry Neuville & Martijn Wydaeghe Secure Historic FIA WRC Titles for Hyundai Motorsport in 2024

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) season, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe have clinched their first-ever Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ titles for Hyundai Motorsport at the prestigious Rally Japan. This milestone marks a significant achievement for Hyundai, showcasing the team’s exceptional performance and strategy throughout the season.

A Dominant Season for Hyundai Motorsport

The Belgian duo of Neuville and Wydaeghe, driving the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid, demonstrated remarkable consistency, leading the championship standings from the season’s opening round. With two victories, six podium finishes, and 49 stage wins, they have solidified their place in rallying history.

Early Momentum at Rallye Monte-Carlo

The pair’s championship campaign began with a resounding victory at Rallye Monte-Carlo, setting the tone for a stellar season. Their ability to leverage the new FIA WRC scoring system in events like Sweden and Kenya allowed them to maintain a slender yet critical lead in the standings.

Overcoming Challenges

In Croatia, they displayed their rally-winning potential by leading 15 of 20 stages. Despite a setback on the final day, their third-place finish secured vital points. Another podium in Portugal extended their championship lead, showcasing their resilience on gravel terrains.

Strategic Grit in Mid-Season

The mid-season saw the team face challenges, including a retirement at Rally Italia Sardegna. However, they rebounded with a dominant performance on Super Sunday, retaining their top spot in the standings. A consistent run across Poland, Latvia, and Finlandfurther solidified their lead.

A Turning Point in Greece

A spectacular podium sweep in Greece led by Neuville and Wydaeghe widened their advantage over rivals. Despite intense competition in Chile and a nail-biting finale in Central Europe, they arrived in Japan with a 25-point lead.

The Dramatic Finale in Japan

The final rally of the season was anything but smooth. A technical issue on Friday pushed the crew out of points contention, but their determined comeback on Saturday brought them back to seventh. Needing only two points on Sunday, fate intervened as their closest rivals, Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja, crashed early, confirming the Belgian duo as champions.

A Legacy of Excellence for Neuville and Hyundai Motorsport

For Neuville, the 2024 FIA WRC Drivers’ title is the culmination of 11 seasons with Hyundai Motorsport, a partnership marked by 21 victories, 62 podiums, and 380 stage wins. Reflecting on his achievement, Neuville expressed gratitude to his team, saying:

“To be standing here as the 2024 FIA WRC drivers’ champion is a dream come true. I couldn’t have done this without my team of 11 years. We never gave up hope that our time would come.”

Martijn Wydaeghe, who joined Neuville four seasons ago, praised the team’s resilience:

“This weekend, we showed our greatest strength: mental resilience. All season, we stuck to our strategy, and it paid off.”

Celebrating a Team Effort

Hyundai Motorsport President and Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul acknowledged the collective effort behind the victory:

“Thierry and Martijn’s determination has been phenomenal. Their first titles are well deserved, and this achievement reflects years of hard work and dedication.”

Shell’s Aysun Akik also commended the team’s exceptional synergy and Neuville’s remarkable performance:

“Thierry’s success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between him and the Hyundai Motorsport team. We are proud to support this incredible journey.”

Conclusion

Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe’s historic championship victory is a testament to their skill, resilience, and teamwork. As Hyundai Motorsport celebrates its first-ever Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ titles, this landmark achievement cements their position as a formidable force in the world of rallying. Fans can look forward to even greater success in the seasons to come.