Electric Cars

Martijn Wydaeghe, the renowned co-driver for Thierry Neuville in the World Rally Championship, recently stepped into an unprecedented role, exchanging his pacenote book for the steering wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car. This extraordinary experience took place at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, serving as an unconventional yet insightful preparation for the upcoming Rally Estonia. His time behind the wheel offered a fresh perspective on the immense talent and precise control required to navigate these powerful machines, deepening his respect for the elite drivers he typically guides.

For the first time, spectators at the Goodwood Festival of Speed witnessed Martijn Wydaeghe, usually the voice of precise instructions from the co-driver's seat, take control of Thierry Neuville's formidable Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car. This rare opportunity allowed Wydaeghe to gain invaluable firsthand experience of the vehicle's dynamics and the demanding nature of a rally stage, just days before the crucial Rally Estonia. His unexpected foray into driving highlighted the unique bond and understanding between a rally driver and co-driver, while also showcasing his personal passion for the sport beyond his traditional duties.

A Co-driver's Journey to the Driver's Seat

Martijn Wydaeghe, the accomplished co-driver for Thierry Neuville, embraced a unique opportunity at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking the wheel of Neuville's Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car. This rare switch from navigator to driver provided him with an invaluable perspective on the intricate demands of piloting a WRC machine. Wydaeghe's decision to drive was a spontaneous one, driven by his deep passion for rallying and the chance to experience the sport from a completely different vantage point. The experience was a personal challenge and a form of unconventional training, offering insights that would undoubtedly benefit his co-driving role.

While co-drivers occasionally pilot WRC cars on liaison sections, it is highly unusual for them to tackle a full rally stage. Wydaeghe, who has been Neuville's co-driver since 2021, had previously driven Hyundai's older WRC model at Rally Legend in San Marino, but this marked his first time controlling the i20 N Rally1 on a stage. Neuville, ever the supportive teammate, offered minimal advice, humorously pointing out only the start button. Wydaeghe admitted to initial nervousness, particularly given the 400-horsepower output of the car and the slippery, narrow nature of the Goodwood gravel stage. He described the experience as eye-opening, acknowledging the extreme conditions inside the cockpit and the precision required, often relying on hay bales to guide his turns. This firsthand encounter further solidified his admiration for the extraordinary talent of professional WRC drivers.

Lessons from Behind the Wheel

Wydaeghe's experience at Goodwood provided him with profound insights into the exceptional skill and talent possessed by World Rally Championship drivers. This brief but intense driving period underscored the immense challenge of controlling a WRC car on treacherous terrain, amplifying his respect for Neuville and other top-tier competitors. The unexpected role served as a powerful reminder of the physical and mental fortitude required to perform at the pinnacle of rally sport.

The brief stint in the driver's seat offered Wydaeghe an unparalleled learning experience, deepening his appreciation for the challenges faced by WRC drivers. He observed that controlling the powerful Rally1 car on the tricky, low-grip Goodwood stage was far more difficult than anticipated, reinforcing his belief that top drivers operate at an almost superhuman level. He expressed profound admiration for their ability to navigate complex stages under immense pressure and varied conditions. While he harbors no aspirations of becoming a professional rally driver, Wydaeghe expressed a keen interest in participating in non-competitive events, such as the Monte Carlo Historic Rally or a "zero car" run at his home event, the Ypres Rally. As he prepares to resume his co-driving duties for Rally Estonia, Wydaeghe humorously pondered the challenge of remembering which side of the car he's supposed to enter, a testament to the memorable nature of his recent driving adventure.

In an intriguing turn of events ahead of Rally Estonia, Thierry Neuville's esteemed co-driver, Martijn Wydaeghe, found himself in an unfamiliar but exhilarating position: behind the steering wheel of a Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car at the renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed. This rare opportunity allowed Wydaeghe to experience the sheer power and intricate handling of the WRC machine from a driver's perspective, providing a unique form of preparation for the upcoming championship round.

During the Goodwood demonstration, Wydaeghe, usually meticulously focused on pacenotes and timing, traded his traditional tools for the controls of the rally car. He navigated the challenging 1.5-mile gravel rally stage, a course designed by rally legend Hannu Mikkola, with guests in the passenger seat. Despite admitting to some nervousness due to the low grip and narrow nature of the stage, Wydaeghe adapted quickly, even humorously acknowledging a few close encounters with haybales. This hands-on experience, while not a competitive drive, offered invaluable insight into the dynamic forces at play and the demands placed upon WRC drivers.

Reflecting on his time in the driver's seat, Wydaeghe expressed profound respect for the exceptional talent of WRC drivers, particularly his partner Thierry Neuville. He noted that truly comprehending the difficulty of controlling such a potent vehicle can only come from direct experience. Although he harbors no ambitions of becoming a professional driver, Wydaeghe cherishes these opportunities to drive for exhibition, and he hopes to participate in future non-competitive events, such as the Monte Carlo Historic or his home event, Ypres Rally, as a zero or course car driver. As Rally Estonia approaches, Wydaeghe will undoubtedly be back in his rightful place, guiding Neuville with renewed appreciation for the intricacies of rally driving.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that true mastery and appreciation for any craft often come from stepping into different roles and gaining new perspectives. Wydaeghe's brief stint as a driver not only honed his understanding of the rally car's dynamics but also deepened his admiration for the elite skills of his driver, showcasing the interconnectedness of teamwork and the continuous pursuit of excellence in high-stakes environments.