The 2024 World Rally Championship reaches its final chapter after an exciting Central European Rally, where Ott Tänak claimed victory. Tänak, a Hyundai driver, took advantage of a mistake by Sébastien Ogier in the penultimate stage, beating him by 7.0 seconds after the Frenchman's crash. This result leaves the Estonian on the verge of contesting the title in the final round, Rally Japan, against his teammate Thierry Neuville.
Ogier's exit and Tänak's victory
Ogier's crash occurred when he was just 1.5 seconds behind Tänak. His off-road incident in a corner handed the victory to Tänak, securing his second win of the season. With this result, Tänak and Neuville will face off in a decisive Rally Japan, where the 2024 drivers' title will be decided.
The manufacturers' championship battle: Hyundai and Toyota stay in the race
Toyota GAZOO Racing managed to narrow Hyundai's lead in the manufacturers' championship thanks to strong performances from Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta. Although Ogier had to retire from the rally, Toyota finished the weekend with positive results. Evans secured second place, earning a podium for the team, while Katsuta shone on the final day, winning the Power Stage and setting the fastest times on Sunday's stages.
This performance from Katsuta and Evans allowed Toyota to cut two points from Hyundai, leaving a 15-point gap in the standings ahead of Rally Japan. A perfect result in the final round could give them the championship.
Neuville and the pressure of his first title
Neuville arrived at the Central European Rally leading the championship with a 29-point advantage, but a mistake on Saturday cost him that margin, finishing third. Now, his lead is only 25 points, keeping his hopes of securing his first drivers' title alive, but with Tänak close behind.
Highlights from the Central European Rally
Elfyn Evans was part of the battle for victory until the last day, but difficult conditions and Ogier's crash changed the scenario. Takamoto Katsuta was the standout performer on the final day, recovering after missing the previous round in Chile, and setting the fastest times on Sunday's stages, including the Super Sunday classification and the Power Stage.
On the other hand, Finland's Sami Pajari also faced difficulties. Despite being in position to finish in the top six, a mistake knocked him out of the race during the first stage on Sunday. However, Pajari will return in Japan with a chance to secure the WRC2 title, where he must finish in the top two to achieve it.
The final round of the 2024 WRC will take place in Aichi, Japan, from November 21-24. Both the drivers' and manufacturers' titles will be on the line.
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