Neuville considers Skoda switch

10th December 2011

By Anthony Peacock

Rising Belgian star Thierry Neuville has received an offer to switch to Skoda for 2012, but he says that he wants to see what Peugeot can come up with first before moving teams.

Neuville won the rallies of Corsica and Sanremo this year with Peugeot Belgium, as a result of which he feels plenty of loyalty towards the French manufacturer.

"Without Peugeot, I wouldn't be here now," said Neuville, who eventually finished fifth in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge standings after retiring on the series finale in Cyprus. "I had a nice offer from Skoda, but I asked for some time before getting back to them to see if Peugeot could offer me something for 2012 and beyond as well."

Neuville is looking long-term, with an increased emphasis on the World Championship in 2012.

"Of course I've got to think about the WRC, whether that's in competition on the Super 2000 series, or carrying out some recces next year. And while it's true that Skoda are putting a bit of pressure on us, we're working hard to find the right solution."

Neuville's negotiations with his prospective teams for next year were the reason why he was unable to take part in the FIA Institute Academy selection recently.