Neuville says new Hyundai feels like "proper racecar"

The Belgian will be part of a three-car line-up alongside Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo, and expects to spend more time at the sharp end than in 2015.

”For sure [the new car] is an improvement," said Neuville. "This car has been properly developed by Hyundai Motorsport [in Germany].

"That was not the case before, we had many parts from everywhere and the car was developed in Korea.

"This is a proper racecar and the first feeling in shakedown was good," he added, having finished fourth during shakedown behind Kris Meeke, Sebastien Ogier and teammate Sordo.

With his troubled record in Monaco now behind him, finally making it to the finish for the first time at his fourth attempt last year, Neuville plans to go on the attack this weekend.

”[The strategy is] to drive as well as we can, there are no excuses," he said. "Particularly on this event, we have always had some difficulties, but last year we enjoyed a lot. It should be easier this year.”

Neuville experienced a drop in form at the end of 2015, when the Belgian only scored 10 points in the last four rallies, compared to Paddon’s 38 and Sordo’s 37.

He was even demoted to the second-string Hyundai Mobis team for Wales Rally GB, but insists he is fully motivated to perform in 2016.

”Last year was very hard," he admitted. "I wasn’t on my best at the end of the year. I did not take pleasure in doing what I do.

"But now the motivation is full and the chance is the same for everybody to get the good result. I want to make a copy of Seb [Ogier]’s season last year, if I do that, it will be a good year!”