WRC: Neuville keen for Ogier as teammate

Hyundai driver Thierry Neuville says he would relish the challenge of having Sebastien Ogier in the same team as him, if the World Rally champion was to leave Volkswagen.

Neuville believes Ogier's contract with VW is not sorted for next season and he would like to pitch himself against the Frenchman in equal machinery. This year Hyundai has rotated between Dani Sordo, Juho Hanninen, Chris Atkinson, Hayden Paddon and Bryan Bouffier for Neuville's teammates.

"I want somebody who is strong, we need a good atmosphere but we need somebody who will challenge me and the team to push ourselves to the limits – that way we will go up," Rally Germany winner Neuville said. "I would like somebody for all 13 rallies rather than changing all the time.

"That could be somebody in the team already or it could be Ogier – he has still not signed for Volkswagen. This would be a strange choice for him, but why not?

"I wouldn't say no [to him joining Hyundai]. I'm not afraid of Ogier."

Neuville said his pace in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC last season demonstrated his potential to challenge the champion.

"When I was in the Fiesta, we had great speed against the Volkswagens," he said. "I think I could match him if he came to this team.

"Maybe I'm missing some experience and I could have some more issues in between, but I think we are the same – and not only me and him. I am convinced there are five or six drivers who are on the same speed, but with different levels of experience."

Ogier played down the chances of him leaving VW.

"I think I would be stupid to change," he said. "The team I am in is the best one at the moment and I reached my dream to become world champion with them.

"There is really no reason to change. It's a question of timing, but you should get the answer quite soon."

Asked why he had not given complete confirmation he would remain with VW, Ogier replied: "I am not the one who should do this, the team will do it. I can just tell you, you should not wait for long."