Thierry Neuville

It’s a difficult question because there are many rallies I love in the championship, but if I had to choose just one, it would be the Central European Rally. First, because it’s the kind of terrain I love: technical asphalt stages that are often dirty. I learned to drive on this type of surface, so I generally feel at home. Speaking of home, it’s also a rally where my family, friends, and many fans can come to support us because it’s close to Belgium. That makes it a very special event for me. 

I don’t have a special routine to get focused. When you’ve been driving for a long time, I think you automatically switch into event mode when the time comes. I usually prepare the event the weekend before the rally by checking maps, watching the videos provided, and getting everything in mind. Then, once recce starts, it’s like being in a bubble and switching to “rally mode.” Everything is perfectly timed and organized, and I follow the tight schedule we have during the week. 

I would have become a driving instructor instead. 

My idol while growing up was my compatriot Bruno Thiry, but I was also a Schumacher fan in F1. 

The secret to success is to never give up. Along the way, you will have ups and downs (in fact, more downs than ups) but that’s when you need to hold on and learn to get stronger. That’s when you build your strength, and that’s what finally leads you to success.