In a fitting climax to an exhilarating 2024 season, Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe have made history by securing Hyundai Motorsport’s first-ever FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ titles at Rally Japan. The Belgian duo, representing the Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team, have been the epitome of consistency and resilience throughout the year, culminating in a landmark achievement that marks the team’s most successful campaign to date.
Dominating from the Start
Neuville and Wydaeghe’s championship-winning journey began with a dominant performance at Rallye Monte-Carlo, setting the tone for the season ahead. The pair claimed their first victory of 2024 and made the most of the new FIA WRC scoring system to keep their rivals at bay. As the season progressed, their prowess behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid continued to shine. With two wins, six podium finishes, and a staggering 49 stage victories, the Belgian crew maintained a commanding presence at the top of the standings.
Their consistent performances throughout the season showcased a championship-winning mentality. From the tough tarmac of Croatia to the gravel challenges in Portugal, Neuville and Wydaeghe demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. A third-place finish in Croatia, following a dramatic final-day incident, proved crucial in maintaining their lead. The crew’s determination was further highlighted by their resilience in Sardinia, where despite a retirement from second place, they recovered to dominate Super Sunday, maintaining their slender advantage over their closest rivals—team-mates Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja.
Pressure Mounts as the Season Closes
As the season reached its zenith, Neuville and Wydaeghe’s relentless pursuit of the title continued, with standout performances in Greece and Chile, where they finished first and fourth, respectively. By the time they reached Japan, the duo held a 25-point lead over Tänak and Järveoja, but the road to glory was far from straightforward.
The final rally of the year provided a dramatic twist. Neuville and Wydaeghe suffered a technical setback on Friday, dropping them out of the points-scoring positions. However, their indomitable spirit saw them mount an incredible comeback on Saturday, charging back into contention. The final turn of fate came when Tänak and Järveoja, who had led the rally for much of the weekend, suffered a catastrophic crash on the morning’s first stage, effectively handing Neuville and Wydaeghe the title with four stages still to run.
Neuville’s Dream Realised
For Thierry Neuville, the 2024 FIA WRC Drivers’ Championship is the culmination of over a decade of dedication and hard work. Having been a mainstay of Hyundai Motorsport since 2014, Neuville’s relationship with the team has been one of the most enduring in the sport. With 21 victories, 62 podiums, and 380 stage wins to his name, the Belgian has been a consistent force in the WRC, finishing as vice-champion on four occasions. His first title, however, has been a long-awaited reward for his resilience and commitment.
In his emotional statement, Neuville expressed his gratitude to the team that had supported him for 11 years: “To be standing here as the 2024 FIA WRC drivers’ champion is a dream come true. We’ve finished runners-up many times, but we never gave up hope that our time would come. A special thanks to Martijn; we’ve built an incredible partnership over four seasons.”
Wydaeghe’s Contribution
Co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe has been an integral part of the title-winning team, and his partnership with Neuville has proven to be a formidable one. Reflecting on their triumph, Wydaeghe spoke of the mental strength that defined their season. “This weekend, we showed that our best strength is our mental resilience. Despite a setback on Friday, we kept believing in ourselves and the team. We had our own strategy all season, and it paid off. Never giving up, focusing on a strong Sunday—this made us world champions.”
Hyundai Motorsport’s Milestone
The victory marks a historic milestone for Hyundai Motorsport, which has now secured its first-ever FIA WRC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ titles. Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul praised Neuville and Wydaeghe for their relentless pursuit of the championship and extended his thanks to the entire team for their collective efforts. “This has been a very eventful rally. We arrived knowing that one of our drivers would be champion, but the manufacturers’ title was anything but certain. Nevertheless, it’s been an incredible season, and we’ve shown improved reliability and performance on the world stage.”
Hyundai Motorsport’s achievements in 2024 go beyond the drivers’ titles. With 561 points, the team accumulated its most ever in a single season, also equalling its 2022 record of five wins. The team finished with 15 podiums, four double podiums, and 90 stage wins across 13 rounds—a testament to their hard work and unwavering dedication.
A Dramatic Finish in Japan
The season finale in Japan provided one last twist. Neuville and Wydaeghe’s bid for the Manufacturers’ Championship went down to the wire, as a series of dramatic stage results kept the title in play. Neuville’s tireless efforts, including a stage win on SS18 Lake Mikawako and another on SS19 Nukata, showcased his drive to ensure Hyundai Motorsport’s competitive edge. Despite a heroic performance, the team fell just short of the Manufacturers’ Championship, losing out by a narrow margin of three points to Toyota.
Looking to the Future
The 2024 season has proven to be one of the most competitive and challenging in recent years, with Hyundai Motorsport emerging as a dominant force. As Neuville and Wydaeghe enjoy their hard-earned titles, the team is already looking toward the 2025 season, where they will aim to build on this success and continue their rivalry with Toyota. For Neuville, the dream is now a reality, and for Hyundai Motorsport, the future has never looked brighter.
Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe’s victory in the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship is a fitting reward for their consistency, resilience, and unwavering belief in themselves and their team. After years of near-misses, their success is a testament to their dedication, and their names will forever be etched in the history of Hyundai Motorsport. The 2024 season has been a landmark year for the team, and with the championship titles secured, the next chapter of Hyundai Motorsport’s journey begins.
