The Monte-Carlo Rally is fast approaching, but the snow has decided to play spoilsport in Hyundai’s preparations. Thierry Neuville, ready to battle, finds himself forced to postpone his testing due to unpredictable weather that feels more like a Scandinavian winter than the sunny roads of southern France.
A snowy start to the season
This week, the teams of the World Rally Championship (WRC) gathered in southern France to fine-tune their settings ahead of the season-opening event, scheduled from 22 to 25 January. While Toyota, in rather favourable conditions, was able to commence its testing with Elfyn Evans and Oliver Solberg, Hyundai faced a much less forgiving reality: an unexpected snowstorm.
Postponed tests for Neuville
Thierry Neuville, the hero of the Korean team, had initially planned a crucial test day. On Wednesday, the team had already put Adrien Fourmaux on the road, while Hayden Paddon is expected to take the wheel from Friday. Unfortunately, on Thursday, snow covered the roads, turning the test session into a genuine logistical challenge. Snowploughs were called in to try to clear the roads, but faced with such adversity, the decision was quickly made to cancel.
Unfavourable winter conditions
On Instagram, Thierry Neuville shared his dismay at these unusual testing conditions. “One might think we are in Sweden or Finland preparing for the Rally of Sweden, but that is absolutely not the case,” he commented. The freezing temperatures and snow accumulation greatly complicate the drivers’ tasks. Although these conditions may seem ideal for rallying, Neuville reminds that the team has not faced such situations in a long time.
Hopes for rescheduling
Despite this cancellation, hope remains. Thierry announced that the FIA has given the green light to reschedule the tests later in the week. Sunday seems to be the most likely day to attempt to make up for lost time. “We will try again by the end of the week. I hope to carry out the necessary work we had planned, in more stable conditions,” he added, aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
A crucial issue for Hyundai
For Hyundai, these tests are not just a formality. They represent a key moment to fine-tune settings and test the developments made to their car. Every minute on the road is precious, and the lack of reliable tests could impact their performance during the rally. The pressure is therefore mounting for the Korean manufacturer, which must rise to the occasion of its ambitions.
A legendary rally that won’t wait
The Monte-Carlo Rally is one of the most prestigious events on the WRC calendar. With its winding specials and changing conditions, it tests the drivers’ mastery and the reliability of the machines. Teams must be ready for anything, and every detail counts. In this context, Hyundai cannot afford to miss an opportunity to prepare adequately.
Conclusion: a look to the future
As the snow continues to fall on the roads of southern France, Hyundai hopes to quickly resume testing and prepare effectively for the start of the season. The competition is fierce, and every team is looking to gain an advantage before the rally kicks off. Let us hope that the coming days are more forgiving, so that Thierry Neuville and his team can stack the odds in their favour to shine on this prestigious stage.
