Thierry Neuville keeps a close eye on Toyota. Is Hyundai overly concerned about Toyota’s advantages
The 2025 World Rally Championship (WRC) season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history, and Thierry Neuville isn’t taking any chances. The Hyundai Motorsport star has been closely monitoring the progress of rival manufacturer Toyota, sparking speculation that Hyundai may be growing increasingly concerned about their competitor’s recent advancements.
With Toyota’s rally machines proving to be dominant forces on various terrains, Neuville and Hyundai must adapt quickly if they want to keep pace. But is Toyota’s advantage truly that overwhelming, or is Hyundai just playing mind games?
Toyota’s Continued Success Puts Pressure on Hyundai
There’s no denying that Toyota Gazoo Racing has built an empire in WRC. With multiple world titles and a car that seems perfectly tuned for every surface, Toyota has become the benchmark for success.
The GR Yaris Rally1, Toyota’s latest machine, has been praised for its speed, durability, and adaptability—three key elements that every rally team strives for. Sébastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, and Kalle Rovanperä have all showcased the car’s strengths, leaving competitors scrambling to close the gap.
Hyundai, led by Neuville, has seen its fair share of victories, but the team is still searching for the consistency needed to dethrone Toyota. And with the latest technical improvements coming from Toyota’s garage, Hyundai’s concern might be well-founded.
Thierry Neuville’s Observations – A Strategic Move?
As a veteran in the sport, Thierry Neuville understands the importance of studying the competition. However, recent reports suggest that Neuville has been especially attentive to Toyota’s progress, analyzing their test runs, strategies, and even driver dynamics.
His heightened focus on Toyota raises an important question—does Hyundai fear that their rivals are getting too far ahead? Or is Neuville simply trying to gain an edge by exposing Toyota’s weaknesses before they become untouchable?
In a recent interview, Neuville acknowledged Toyota’s strengths but maintained confidence in Hyundai’s ability to fight back:
“Toyota has done a great job with their development, but we are not backing down. We have our own improvements, and we are prepared to challenge them at every stage.”
Hyundai’s Counterattack – What’s Their Plan?
If Hyundai wants to keep up with Toyota, they need to address key areas:
Car Performance Upgrades – The Hyundai i20 N Rally1 has shown potential, but its reliability issues have been a recurring problem. Hyundai’s engineers must fine-tune the aerodynamics, suspension, and hybrid system to match Toyota’s level.
Driver Strategy Adjustments – With Neuville, Ott Tänak, and Esapekka Lappi leading the charge, Hyundai must focus on team coordination to counter Toyota’s dominance.
Stage-Specific Tactics – Certain rallies favor Toyota’s setup, while others play to Hyundai’s strengths. A smart approach to tire management, pace control, and risk assessment will be crucial.
Is Hyundai’s Worry Justified?
While Toyota remains the team to beat, Hyundai is far from out of the picture. If anything, Neuville’s close observation of Toyota shows that Hyundai is committed to finding a winning formula.
It’s possible that Neuville’s focus is a psychological tactic, aiming to distract Toyota’s camp while Hyundai works on closing the gap. However, if Toyota’s momentum continues unchecked, Hyundai might need more than just strategic planning—they’ll need a breakthrough performance to reestablish themselves as title contenders.
Can Thierry Neuville Lead Hyundai to Victory?
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Thierry Neuville and Hyundai Motorsport. Will they successfully counter Toyota’s technical superiority, or will Neuville’s concerns become a self-fulfilling prophecy?
One thing is certain—the battle between Hyundai and Toyota is far from over, and rally fans can expect a thrilling season ahead.
