Neuville and Hyundai's fears confirmed early at Japan Rally

Hyundai's entire camp had already signalled low expectations before the final asphalt round of the WRC season in Japan. The shakedown stage quickly confirmed those fears.

The final round of the World Rally Championship season is underway in Japan, and things have not started well for Hyundai. Even before the competitive stages began, the entire Hyundai camp was openly downplaying expectations for the Japanese tarmac rally — and the shakedown stage wasted no time in proving those concerns justified.

Hyundai has historically struggled on asphalt compared to its gravel performances, and Japan's demanding tarmac stages have done little to ease those concerns this time around. The team arrived at the season finale knowing that the technical demands of the course would put them at a disadvantage against rivals better suited to sealed-surface conditions.

The shakedown results only deepened the gloom within the team. Thierry Neuville and his Hyundai teammates found themselves unable to match the pace of their competitors, with the car's setup appearing to fall short of what the Japanese stages require. For a team that has invested heavily in its championship campaign throughout the season, the timing could hardly be worse.

With the WRC manufacturers' and drivers' titles still potentially in play at this final event, Hyundai's subdued form in Japan represents a significant challenge. The team will be hoping to find solutions during the event itself, but the opening signals suggest the weekend will be a tough one for the Korean manufacturer and its drivers.