World Rally Championship leader Thierry Neuville has agree a new three-year deal with Hyundai Motorsport that will seem him remain with the Korean manufacturer until the end of 2021.
The deal had been expected after Hyundai team principal Michel Nandan hinted last month that he hoped to conclude a new deal with Neuville.
The Belgian and his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul joined the Korean manufacturer in 2014 and have claimed nine wins since then. They currently top the WRC standings from five-time champion Sébastien Ogier ahead of this weekend’s Rally Turkey.
"Since 2014 we have shared many special moments together, as well as working through some more difficult times," commented Neuville. "Our debut victory together in 2014 remains a highlight, and we have since taken more wins together.
"There is a fantastic family atmosphere and I get on very well with my team-mates. This is very important to me. Alongside Nicolas, who has played a key role in our successes, our focus is on completing this current season in the strongest way possible, aiming to secure the titles," added the 30-year-old.
Nandan hailed the duo's contribution to Hyundai's motorsport programme.
"They have both played a crucial role in building up the Hyundai Motorsport WRC programme over the past five years, helping us to many important milestones along the way from our maiden victory in Germany 2014 right up to our current championship battle.
"As we build towards an exciting conclusion to this year’s WRC, with drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships still delicately poised, it is important for us that we can already look towards 2019 and beyond."
