The factory Hyundai driver is the most experienced full-time driver in the championship, having racked up 149 WRC starts dating back to 2009 and won 18 rallies, while finishing runner-up in the standings on five occasions (2013, 2016-2019).
Neuville is currently the only Rally1 driver contracted for next season. Although the Belgian’s deal with Hyundai is set to expire at the end of 2024, he is already thinking about his longer term future.
“My target I have said is that I will do next year obviously and after I would like to maybe re-sign for two more years,” said Neuville.
“It would be nice in those three years that the WRC will be back to where it belongs.
“Then after that nobody knows. I could be the [Fernando] Alonso of the WRC.”
Hyundai is evaluating its line-up for next season after team principal Cyril Abiteboul revealed the team is considering an expansion from three to four cars next year.
The former Renault Formula 1 boss also suggested that contract extension talks are expected to be held with the team’s other full-time driver Esapekka Lappi. Hyundai has also recently re-launched its young driver development programme that includes Teemu Suninen, who will pilot the third i20N at Estonia this weekend, and reigning WRC2 champion Emil Lindholm.
Neuville’s admission regarding his WRC future comes at time when the championship has come under criticism from drivers and teams.
Source: Autosport