Thierry Neuville doesn’t intend to let his emotions get the higher of him and takes the lead within the Acropolis Rally ahead of essentially the most difficult stage of the World Rally Championship, scheduled for Sunday.
This yr's edition of the Acropolis Rally proved to be one of the vital difficult in recent times. All five drivers within the fight for the title had mathematical problems.
Neuville managed to avoid trouble on Saturday’s six stages to construct a 54.9sec advantage, which enabled him to make up ground after his i20 N lost three cylinders in Friday’s first stage.
Punctures for team-mates Ott Tanaka and Dani Sordo helped Neuville take the lead and claim 18 provisional points, ending Saturday on top of the timesheets – three greater than title rival Sebastien Ogier of Toyota.
However, the Belgian insists that “nothing is decided yet” regarding Sunday’s three stages, including two runs of the rally’s most difficult stage, Eleftherohori, which can host the Power Stage. Neuville can be unsure find out how to handle Sunday’s stages, which can award a maximum of 12 points.
“It was a good day but nothing is done yet and we have to remember that, tomorrow is a difficult day. The Power Stage is very difficult, nothing is done,” Neuville told Motorsport.com.
Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1
Photo: McKlein / Motorsport Images
“Numerous things happened and by some means all of us had some problems, but nevertheless we’re here, regardless that we did three stages with problems. We lost less time than others and we had a consistent run today, which gave us the lead.
“We have to seek out the proper balance. I don't know yet [how to play it]. We have to realize our goals, but we all know that there are lots of points up for grabs tomorrow.
Neuville, who didn’t reply to Ogier's critical comments about him on Friday evening, admitted that an excellent weekend for him could be to go away Greece with a 27-point lead over Ogier within the championship.
“I think if I have a good weekend I have to score at least as many points as Seb,” he added.
Ogier shared Neuville's thoughts on the challenge the crews will face on Sunday, suggesting there continues to be a robust possibility of more drama.
“I think it's always satisfying when the day ends here in Greece. It's been a tough weekend and the three stages tomorrow won't be easy at all,” Ogier told Motorsport.com.
“I’d describe the Power Stage, which we have now to do twice, as the toughest stage of the weekend. I believe we won’t have seen all of the motion, and it’s obviously a vital day for each championships.
“This is the hardest day I have had in Greece, but I expect tomorrow to be the worst”
