Showing posts with label wrc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wrc. Show all posts

Sunday, November 24, 2024

WRC 2024 - FORUM8 Rally Japan

The 2024 World Rally Championship ends with the FORUM8 Rally Japan, and this finale has become a showdown between Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N for the world championship titles. Who will be crowned the WRC 2024 champion? Let's find out.

After Ott Tanak's promising results in the shakedown, it didn't take long before he and Elfyn Evans clashed for the lead. During the Friday stages, Evans surged ahead, but Tanak's crash on Saturday allowed Thierry Neuville to be crowned world champion for the first time. 

One driver ultimately sealed the outcome as the two manufacturers engaged in a decisive battle for the constructors' championship title. Elfyn Evans’ recent victory on Toyota's home turf earned it the title of constructors' champions.

WRC 2024 - FORUM8 Rally Japan

Congratulations to Thierry Neuville for becoming the WRC 2024 Driver's Champion and Toyota Gazoo Racing's Constructor Champions title!

This concludes the 2024 World Rally Championship. See you next season!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

WRC 2024 - Central European Rally

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Central European Rally, a rally weekend that stretches across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

Ott Tanak had a promising pre-event shakedown, but Sebastien Ogier took an early lead in the opening stages. Thierry Neuville then took the lead to maintain his title hopes, but crashed out of the race on Saturday, leaving Tanak in the lead.

WRC 2024 - Central European Rally
Screengrab from WRC

Ott Tanak's recent victory in the Central European Rally saw the gap between him and Neuville, who finished in 3rd place behind Elfyn Evans, narrowed to 25 points, 225 v 200. This victory puts Tanak in a strong position to challenge for the championship lead.

Who will be crowned the WRC 2024 champion? Find out as this season ends with the FORUM8 Rally Japan this November 21-24, 2024. Don't miss it!

Monday, September 30, 2024

WRC 2024 - Rally Chile Bio Bío

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Rally Chile Bio Bio. As September ends, the rally is heating up as drivers fight through Latin America's worsts.

WRC 2024 - Rally Chile Bio Bío
Screengrab from WRC

As Esapekka Lappi showcased his promising results in the shakedown, the opening stages saw an upper hand for Elfyn Evans following a COC decision for the rally's opening stages. However, in the Saturday stages, his domination got lost in the fog, allowing Kalle Rovanpera to snatch his lead and soldier on to the end of this rally event.

Kalle Rovanpera won the Rally Chile Bio Bio, beating out Evans by 23.4 seconds. Hyundai driver Ott Tanak finished third.

After Chile, Thierry Neuville remains in the lead with 192 points. Ott Tanak is in 2nd with 158 points and Sebastien Ogier is in 3rd with 154 points.

The next event is the Central European Rally which stretches across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, from October 17 to 20, 2024.

Monday, September 9, 2024

WRC 2024 - EKO Acropolis Rally Greece

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. The most herculean drivers fought their way through vicious road conditions in the hopes of dominating the so-called "Rally of the Gods".

Friday stages saw Ott Tanak taking advantage of Sebastien Ogier's misery to gain the upper hand until Thierry Neuville charged his way to the lead during Saturday stages and kept it that way. Still, it became a brave weekend for the Hyundai drivers.

WRC 2024 - EKO Acropolis Rally Greece
Screengrab from WRC

Hyundai delivered a full podium sweep in Greece with Thierry Neuville the winner, Dani Sordo in 2nd place, and Ott Tanak in 3rd.

After Greece, Neuville is in the lead with 192 points while Ott Tanak is in 2nd with 158 points and Sebastien Ogier is in 3rd with 154 points.

The next event on the World Rally Championship schedule is the Rally Chile Bio Bío. It will be held in Concepción from September 26 to 29. Will the Hyundai drivers continue their winning ways?

Sunday, August 4, 2024

WRC 2024: Secto Rally Finland

The Olympics may be grabbing all the headlines, but the 2024 World Rally Championship season continues with the Secto Rally Finland. This high-speed, high-stakes event takes place on the lightning-fast gravel roads of central Finland, and it's always one of the most spectacular races of the year.

Screengrab from WRC

As Esapekka Lappi performed brilliantly in the pre-event shakedown, Kalle Rovanpera holds an early lead after the Friday leg amid Ott Tanak's troublesome incident. As Rovanpera remains in the lead following Elfyn Evan's spinning disaster, the finale saw his lead crumble after the rollout, giving Sebastien Ogier the chance for the upset.

Ogier did not disappoint, delivering an upset victory in Finland at the rate of 40.1 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville. Adrien Fourmaux, a Ford driver, completed the podium with a third-place finish.

The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues with the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece this September 5 to 8, 2024.

Sunday, July 21, 2024

WRC 2024: Tet Rally Latvia

The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues with the first-ever Tet Rally Latvia, which is based in Liepāja. Despite the recent IT outage that plagued the world, that didn't stop the WRC from hosting a landmark new event in Latvia.

WRC 2024: Tet Rally Latvia
Screengrab from WRC

Toyota Gazoo Racing's Kalle Rovanpera made headlines as the first-ever winner of the Tet Rally Latvia. He finished the race at 39.2 seconds quicker than second-place finisher Sebastien Ogier. It's a 1-2 finish for Toyota Gazoo Racing. Hyundai driver Ott Tanak rounds out the podium in third place.

The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues for the Secto Rally Finland from 1 - 4 August.

Sunday, June 30, 2024

WRC 2024: ORLEN 80th Rally Poland

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the ORLEN 80th Rally Poland, wrapping up the month of June with intense rally action.

Long before the start, Kalle Rovanperä was in charge of taking over Sébastien Ogier following his accident during Tuesday's reconnaissance, leaving him and his co-driver Jonne Halttunen with less than 48 hours to ready themselves.

As Ott Tanak drew first blood in the opener, Andreas Mikkelsen surged his way to the top during the Friday stages until Kalle Rovanperä burst through the top during the Saturday stages and continued to dominate until the final day.

WRC 2024: Orlen 80th Rally Poland
Screengrab from WRC

Despite having little practice moments after replacing the injured Sébastien Ogier before the race weekend, Kalle Rovanperä is the winner of the ORLEN 80th Rally Poland. He is 28.3 seconds faster than his fellow Toyota GR Yaris driver Elfyin Evans. Ford driver Adrien Fourmaux completes the podium with a third-place finish. 

The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues for the first-ever Tet Rally Latvia, which is based in Liepāja from 18 - 21 July.

Sunday, June 2, 2024

WRC 2024: Rally Italia Sardegna

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Rally Italia Sardegna. As summer draws near, the heat is on for the rally drivers tackling through Sardinia's worst terrains.

There is breaking news during the Rally Italia Sardegna as the WRC organizers happily announced that they will be adding Saudi Arabia for the first time in WRC history this 2025 season. Because details regarding WRC's first Saudi Arabia outing is too early to tell, let's uncover more about this season's Italy campaign.

Following Thierry Neuville's shakedown success, Sebastian Ogier leads the way until Saturday morning tire trouble gives Ott Tanak the chance to storm his way into the lead. As Ogier makes his comeback, the clash between the two is intense.

WRC 2024: Rally Italia Sardegna
Screengrab from WRC

In the end, following Ogier's tire puncture, Ott Tanak became the winner of the Rally Italia Sardegna at the closest gap of 0.2 seconds. Dani Sordo finished 3rd.

The next event is the Orlen 80th Rally Poland this June 27-30.

Sunday, May 12, 2024

WRC 2024: Vodafone Rally de Portugal

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Vodafone Rally de Portugal as drivers are going all-out to beat the scorcher of a gravel fest, especially a heated rivalry between Kalle Rovanpera and Sebastien Ogier, who just recently received the Legion of Honour medal from French President Emmanuel Macron last week.

Having proved that Dani Sordo is not out of the game following his Shakedown performance, Thierry Neuville claims early advantage while Takamotor Katsuta tops mid-way, Elfyin Evan's co-driver relying on a cellphone for call notes, and Kalle Rovanpera leads after Friday stages. As disaster hit the leading Toyota drivers, it became an opportunity for Sebastien Ogier to storm his way to the lead.

WRC 2024: Vodafone Rally de Portugal
Screengrab from WRC

After a dramatic weekend in Portugal, Sebastien Ogier became the first to achieve six Vodafone Rally de Portugal victories after winning at the rate of 3:41:32.3, 7.9 seconds ahead of Hyundai driver Ott Tanak. Thierry Neuville completes the podium with a third-place finish.

The next event is the Rally Italia Sardegna this May 30th.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

WRC 2024: Croatia Rally

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Croatia Rally and what a rally event it is. The situations between rally stages and car conditions truly turn the tide of the battle.

Screengrab from WRC

As Sebastien Ogier's comeback became promising in the shakedown, Thierry Neuville fought through the lead and managed to dominate almost the entire weekend, even with heated clashes with Elfyn Evans, until in the climax, Neuville and Evans going out of bounds gave Ogier a chance to slip into the lead.

Sebastien Ogier won the Croatia Rally at a rate of 2:40.23.6, 9.7 seconds ahead of Evans while Neuville finished in 3rd.

The next event is the Vodafone Rally de Portugal this May 9-12.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

WRC 2024: Safari Rally Kenya

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the toughest race of the season, the Safari Rally Kenya, as drivers are going all-in, do-or-die, to survive and conquer Africa's most punishing terrains.

Screengrab from WRC

As Thierry Neuville grabbed the early lead after the Kasarani Super Special, the Friday leg saw Kalle Rovanpera storming to the lead while Elfyn Evans faced misfortunes due to a punctured tire. Saturday stages, meanwhile, saw no stopping for Kalle Rovanpera's podium hopes gone following tire troubles.

Kalle Rovanpera was crowned the Safari Rally Kenya winner at 3:36:04, 1:37.8 quicker than Takamoto Katsuta, while Adrien Formaux finished 3rd, the best podium finish for Ford today.

The next event is the Croatia Rally this April 18-21.

Monday, February 19, 2024

WRC 2024: Rally Sweden

The 2024 World Rally Championship continues with the Rally Sweden where drivers brave through the snow-capped battlefields as they continue their battle for the top.


Screengrab from WRC

From the shakedown to the final stage, Hyundai's Esapekka Lappi showcased his dominant win in Sweden at the rate of 2:33:04.9, 29.6 seconds faster than second-placer Elfyn Evans. Ford driver Adrien Fourmaux completes the podium with a third-place finish.

The next event is the WRC Safari Rally Kenya this March 28-31.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

WRC 2024: Rallye Monte-Carlo

The 2024 World Rally Championship has officially begun with the Rally Monte-Carlo. With tactical twists to the points structure, driver line-up shuffles, and more, this season opener is a thriller from start to finish.

As Ott Tanak topped the shakedown on his return to being a Hyundai driver, Elfyn Evans defied the freezing odds to score his lead until his drama with Sebastien Ogier gave Thierry Neuville, a Hyundai driver, a chance to slip into the lead.

 

Screengrab from WRC


In the end, Thierry Neuville drew first blood with his 20th WRC career win at the rate of 3:09.30.9, 16.1 seconds ahead of Ogier. Elfyn Evans completes the podium with a third-place finish.

The next event is the Rally Sweden from the 15th to the 18th of February, 2024.

Sunday, November 19, 2023

WRC 2023: FORUM8 Rally Japan

The 2023 World Rally Championship returns to Japan for the season finale, the FORUM8 Rally Japan. All bets are off as the winners are going to be set to stone in this grueling finale set at the Land of the Rising Sun.

As Hyundai's Thierry Neuville performed great results at the Shakedown, he surged into the early lead while hometown hero Takamoto Katsuta, Dani Sordo, and Adrien Fourmaux faced disaster in the opening stages. As the rainy conditions took a toll on the competitors, Toyota Gazoo Racing's Elfyn Evans gave him the chance to bring Toyota's win to its home turf.

Screengrab from WRC

In the end, Elfyn Evans won the season finale at the rate of 3:32:08.8, 1:17.7 quicker than second placer Sebastien Ogier, while Kalle Rovanpera's world champion status was set to stone after finishing 3rd. It's a 1-2-3 finish for Toyota Gazoo Racing for the first time on its home turf.

With the 2023 season finished, Kalle Rovanpera's world champion title as well as Toyota Gazoo Racing's team champion title have been officially set in stone.

This concludes the 2023 World Rally Championship.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

WRC 2023 - Central European Rally

The 2023 World Rally Championship continues with the first-ever Central European Rally which spans across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. With Kalle Rovanperä leading 31 points ahead of Elfyn Evans, the question now is, which of these two will win the title?

As Thierry Neuville delivered promising results at the Shakedown as well as the opening stages, Kalle Rovanperä is charging through his title hopes following a crash from Elfyn Evans that ended his hopes for a title, despite a major setback that cost Rovanperä's lead to Neuville.

Screengrab from WRC

With Thierry Neuville winning the Central European Rally, Kalle Rovanperä, who finished 2nd, was crowned the WRC champion for the second time. Ott Tanak completes the podium by finishing third.

The 2023 World Rally Championship will conclude this November 15-18 with the FORUM8 Rally Japan. Don't miss it!

Monday, October 2, 2023

WRC 2023 - Rally Chile Bio Bio

The 2023 World Rally Championship continues with the Rally Chile Bio Bio and with Toyota Gazoo Racing leading the constructor's championship, this event could mean the chance to clinch the title.

As Elfyn Evans delivered promising results in the shakedown, Esapekka Lappi's Chilean campaign ended in a brutal roll, giving Evans the early lead during Friday morning stages until Ott Tanak surged his way through the lead and managed to stay through the rest of the rally weekend.

Screengrab from WRC


Ott Tanak ended Ford's winless drought by winning the Rally Chile Bio Bio, beating the likes of Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans. With Evans finishing third, it's more than enough for Toyota Gazoo Racing to clinch the constructor's championship title.

After Chile, Kalle Rovanpera is leading 31 points ahead of Evans. The question now is, which of these two will win the title with only two races left this season?

The next event is the first-ever Central European Rally which spans across Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic this October 26-29.

Sunday, September 10, 2023

WRC 2023 - EKO Acropolis Rally Greece

The 2023 World Rally Championship continues with the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece as the drivers going Olympic Gold, surviving by driving by all means from Athens to Lamia.

As Kalle Rovanpera drew first blood in the opener in Athens, Thierry Neuville emerges through the Friday stages while in the middle of a grudge match against Sebastien Ogier. However, their rivalry came to a bitter end when both of their cars sustained damage, giving Kalle Rovanpera the chance to shine.

Screengrab from WRC

Kalle Rovanpera wins the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece at the rate of 3:00:16.7, 1:31.7 ahead of Elfyin Evans while Dani Sordo completes the podium with a third-place finish.

After Greece, Rovanpera leads with 170 points, 25 points ahead of Evans while Neuville is in third with 134 points.

The next event is the Rally Chile Bio Bio this September 28 - October 1.

Monday, August 7, 2023

WRC 2023: Secto Rally Finland

The 2023 World Rally Championship continues with the Secto Rally Finland, situated in the city of Jyväskylä, where the drivers are surviving through the odds in a middle of a gloomy Scandinavian outlook.

As Kalle Rovanpera delivered promising results in the shakedown, Ott Tanak made an early surge through the opening stages until power loss ended his hopes for a victory defense while Esapekka Lappi crashed in the climax of the opener. With two unhopeful drivers left behind, not to mention the crumbling end of Lappi as he crashes out at Myhinpaa, Elfyn Evans stormed his way to the lead and stays that way.

Screengrab from WRC

In the end, Elfyn Evans wins the Secto Rally Finland at the rate of 2:33:11.3, 39.1 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville while Takamoto Katsuta finished 3rd.

The next event is the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece this September 7-10.

Sunday, July 23, 2023

WRC 2023: Rally Estonia

As Europe is battling a vicious heat wave, the WRC 2023 continues in Estonia for the Rally Estonia and amid a scorcher of a weekend, the drivers are trying to stay cool as they try to tackle Estonia's worsts.

Before the event kicked off, homegrown hero Ott Tanak faced an early heartbreak when he was slapped with a five-minute penalty after a technical issue during shakedown. Amid Tanak's disappointment, Thierry Neuville made some bold moves on the opening stages until Kalle Rovanpera takes over the weekend.

Screengrab from WRC

Kalle Rovanpera, despite all odds, managed to win the Rally Estonia at the rate of 2:36.03.1, 52.7 seconds quicker than Thierry Neuville, while Esapekka Lappin finished in 3rd.

After Estonia, Rovanpera leads with 170 points while Elfyn Evans is in second place with 115 points and Thierry Neuville jumps to third place with 112 points.

The next event is the Secto Rally Finland this August 3-6.

Sunday, June 25, 2023

WRC 2023: Safari Rally Kenya

The 2023 World Rally Championship continues in the African wilderness for the legendary Safari Rally Kenya.

As the reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera ignites hopes for a victory in the safari after winning the shakedown, the opening stages saw Ott Tanak setting an early pace by setting the fastest time through the Kasarani super special stage. Come Friday, Sebastien Ogier became much of a safari survival story as he gained momentum amid his minor mistakes and it gets even more interesting on the Saturday stages where Ogier barely survived tire damage and going all-out on Rovanpera.

Screengrab from WRC

In the end, Sebastien Ogier led a full podium sweep for the Toyota Gazoo Racing team with Rovanpera finishing 2nd and Elfyn Evans finishing 3rd.

The next event of the 2023 WRC will be the Rally Estonia this July 20-23.