Neuville ready for Monte, says van Dalen

Marc van Dalen has said he hopes that Thierry Neuville’s two-day test in France last week will give him the best possible preparation for his Rallye Monte-Carlo debut.

Neuville, 22, will drive a Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000 in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season, starting with the centenary edition of the asphalt event.

Van Dalen, whose Kronos Racing operation runs Neuville and British driver Guy Wilks, said: “The task for beginners such as Thierry does not look easy. Therefore, in order to put our drivers in the best position, we held a test lasting for two days. We worked on the set-up and also tried the new tyres from Michelin.”

Belgian promise Neuville will start Rallye Monte-Carlo’s opening stage on Wednesday in 17th on the road. He said: “The important thing is not the starting order but the position at the finish. I guarantee that I will do everything I can to make it the best possible.”