Three-year contract extension for Thierry Neuville and Hyundai

The WRC leader Thierry Neuville has signed a new three-year contract to stay with Hyundai Motorsport until the end of 2021. The 30-year-old Belgian and his navigator, compatriot Nicolas Gilsoul, joined the German-based team of the Korean manufacturer in 2014, claiming nine WRC wins since then.

A duo in the #5 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC is currently leading the WRC standings with a 23-point gap ahead of Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. Four more rounds are on the calendar, with Rally Turkey scheduled as the next event for September 13-16.

Thierry Neuville currently drives the #5 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC

“Since 2014 we have shared many special moments together, as well as working through some more difficult times. Our debut victory together in 2014 remains a highlight, and we have since taken more wins together. There is a fantastic family atmosphere and I get on very well with my team-mates. This is very important to me. Alongside Nicolas, who has played a key role in our successes, our focus is on completing this current season in the strongest way possible, aiming to secure the titles,” Thierry Neuville said.

“They have both played a crucial role in building up the Hyundai Motorsport WRC programme over the past five years, helping us to many important milestones along the way from our maiden victory in Germany 2014 right up to our current championship battle. As we build towards an exciting conclusion to this year’s WRC, with drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships still delicately poised, it is important for us that we can already look towards 2019 and beyond,” Team Principal Michel Nandan added.

Photos: Hyundai Motorsport,