Neuville praises Loix ahead of Ypres showdown

Thierry Neuville has acknowledged the help he has been given by Freddy Loix ahead of the anticipated showdown between the Belgian drivers on the GEKO Ypres Rally, which gets underway tomorrow.

Loix is a six-time Ypres winner but faces a renewed threat in Neuville, who is 17 years his junior and is chasing his first victory on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge asphalt classic.
Neuville has emerged as a genuine contender this season following his standout victory on last month’s Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc. The 23-year-old finished third in Ypres 12 months ago.

“I have a deep respect for Freddy, he is a real sportsman,” said Neuville, who will drive a Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000. “He’s never kept anything to himself when it comes to information and advice. I have a genuine regard for him but it will never be stronger than if I manage to beat him after an epic battle. I’m not going to be complacent about the task ahead, but I have to be realistic too.”

Frederic Miclotte, who will co-drive Loix in their BFO-backed SKODA Fabia, said: “We’ve both got a lot of experience of Ypres but I’m sure everybody else will be strong too as it is always such a competitive event. I think Thierry will be very fast in particular, although there will be quite a lot of pressure on him like there is on all of us.”