Neuville and Wydaeghe were involved in a frightening accident while testing the new Hyundai Rally1 last weekend in France.
The i20 went off the road suffering enormous damage, which forced the Korean brand to suspend the first test of the car very close to the final version that will take part in the first World Championship of the hybrid era of the WRC.
Paramedics treated Wydaeghe’s shoulder injury on the spot before he and Neuville were transferred to Montpellier hospital for further investigation. Hyundai then confirmed a little later that both had been discharged.
Wydaeghe is now back home, confirming he had undergone minor collarbone surgery and revealing that recovery from the injury is estimated to take around four weeks. The news, therefore, is that he should be ready to participate in the opening round of the season, the Monte Carlo Rally, which will take place from 20 to 23 January.
“Hello everyone! I just wanted to give you some news”, reads a post published on Wydaeghe’s social channels. “I had a minor collarbone surgery and went home. Everything was fine, don’t worry I’ll be fully recovered in four weeks. Thank you all for your messages of support, see you in Monte Carlo.”
Hyundai i20 Rally1
Photo by: Hyundai
2021 was Wydaeghe’s first year in the WRC, after he was chosen to replace longtime Neuville co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul just weeks before the opening race.
The duo won two victories, in Belgium and Spain, finishing the World Championship in third place, behind the two Toyota of Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans.
The update on Wyadaeghe’s condition arrived on the same day Hyundai confirmed that team principal Andrea Adamo will leave the team after six years with immediate effect.
Adam’s day-to-day responsibilities will be assumed in the short term by Scott Noh, with the support of their respective department heads, at least until a new appointment is announced.
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