Thierry Neuville, driver of the Hyundai World Rally Team and champion of WRC 2024, has achieved an impressive victory in his first circuit competition at the Imola Classic. In a historic event, Neuville replaced his rally car with a Ford Escort RS1600 and a BMW M3 E30, competing in the Heritage Touring Car Cup category within the Le Mans Classic Series.
The championship brought together prominent drivers, including former winners of the British Touring Car Championship like Jake Hill, Steve Soper, and Rob Huff. After 15 seasons of full-time competition in the WRC, Neuville had sporadically participated in circuit races, such as his victory in a TCR Germany race in 2019.
In the first of two one-hour races, Neuville shared the wheel of the Escort with Raphael de Borman, with whom he scored a resounding victory in their category (1972-1981). In the second race, however, the Belgian driver had to retire with his BMW due to a technical issue.
Neuville shared his experience on social media, highlighting the pleasure of getting to know the impressive Imola track and the welcoming atmosphere of the paddock. He noted that, after two practice sessions where he set up the vehicles, he achieved pole position with the Escort and second place with the M3.
Looking to the future, Neuville has expressed his desire to participate in more events of the Le Mans Classic Series in 2027 while reducing his competitions in the WRC. ‘I hope to find the opportunity to be in this series again in two years,’ he added.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
