“It went right down to the wire and it was fairly disturbing for us in the course of the season. Numerous strain, an enormous problem, however I believe we realized lots in the course of the season and that’s why we had been ready additionally this weekend [in Japan], even with the issues on Friday, to only hold focusing, simply yeah, sticking to the objectives that we set earlier than and simply give our greatest.”
Proper from the outset, 2024 has felt like Neuville and Wydaeghe’s 12 months. The win on the Monte was emphatic each in its timing and supply, and set them up for a 12 months of defending their lead.
Even once they went off in Sardinia, they by no means seemed to be in bother after a flawless Sunday efficiency (full factors from Tremendous Sunday and the powerstage) acted as the right save.
“We saved believing,” Wydaeghe says. “We realized in the course of the seven gravel occasions that it was an enormous problem. However because of our good mindset, we saved going, particularly turning all the pieces round on Sunday was a robust level of us.
“And because of this we had been in a position to rating many factors each rally once more, aside from Latvia, the place we scored solely 9 factors. However nonetheless, 9 factors in such a tough weekend, that was actually good.
“So yeah, I believe we confirmed, even in a tough situation, that we had been in a position to do an excellent job. And yeah, I’m happy with that.”
It’s all right down to that tenacity that has made them so well-known. And now it’s delivered them the world title they’ve lengthy craved and deserved – albeit in uncommon circumstances simply after Sunday’s first stage.
