Neuville to start despite major crash

But the Belgian might have to walk over the start ramp as his car may not be ready for the evening ceremony.

Neuville crashed out of his third run at the shakedown stage close to Trier, but the German-based team is confident of getting the i20 fixed in time for Friday morning's first competitive stage.

A Hyundai spokesperson said: "We have a little bit of work to do, but the car's OK.

"It just needs some panels, doors, maybe wings, a windscreen and a little bit of tape and it'll be fine.

"There's no major mechanical issues with the car at all and the roll cage wasn't damaged."

Hyundai believes Neuville was fortunate with where he rolled.

"The car did roll six times, but it was into the vineyards and it looks like they took some of the impact," the spokesperson added.

"Whether it's ready for the ceremonial start this evening, we don't know - but we are not obliged to make this; the first control is tomorrow morning.

"The crew can walk across the ramp if they need to."

Neuville, who finished second on last year's Rally Germany driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta RS WRC, will be relieved at the lack of roll cage damage as this was the cause of his early retirement from Rally Finland earlier this month.