Thierry Neuville insists his recent lack of competitive experience won’t hold him back when he resumes his Intercontinental Rally Challenge bid on Barum Czech Rally Zlín this week.
Neuville hasn’t competed since a frustrating outing on his home GEKO Ypres Rally back in June. He has stated that a podium on the Czech Republic round is vital if he is to maintain his push for the IRC crown in his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg Peugeot 207 Super 2000.
“Having not done a rally for two months could be a problem but we have tested for two days and that should allow me to get back into the rhythm,” said Neuville, currently fifth in the IRC drivers’ standings alongside navigator Nicolas Gilsoul. “I know a bit the rally from last year although a lot of the stages are in a different direction.”
In addition to Peugeot UK’s Guy Wilks, Neuville will also be joined in the three-strong Kronos Racing team by Czech driver Pavel Valoušek, who finished third in Zlín last season. He is backed by the Czech Peugeot importer.
“Having a Czech team-mate will really help for this rally,” said the Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc winner. “He will have some good knowledge for the tyre choice and also the weather, which is very important.”
Of his title ambitions, Neuville added: “We’re still in a good position. We don’t need to win this week but a podium would be the best solution.”