Thierry Neuville is determined to bounce back after a costly mistake in the final stage cost him his likely first win of the World Rally Championship season in Croatia. Despite having a comfortable lead heading into Sunday’s asphalt stages, Neuville’s error caused significant damage to his Hyundai i20 N, forcing him to retire and hand the victory to Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta. Devastated by his mistake, Neuville expressed his regret to his team and fans but vowed not to give up, believing his time will come again. Hyundai, eager for a win to turn around their challenging season, missed out on victory but secured a third-place finish for Hayden Paddon. The team’s sporting director, Andrew Wheatley, showed support for Neuville, acknowledging the pressure drivers face and the disappointment of the mistake made.
Meanwhile, Katsuta, the race winner, expressed his surprise at his victory, becoming the first Japanese driver to lead the WRC standings. Despite his joy, he sympathized with Neuville’s plight, knowing the ups and downs of the sport. Katsuta expressed his sorrow for Neuville, his co-driver, and the Hyundai team, emphasizing his understanding of the pain caused by such an error. The victory marked a significant moment for Katsuta, who had recently secured his maiden win at Safari Rally Kenya. Looking ahead, both Neuville and Katsuta are determined to continue their competitive performances in the World Rally Championship.
