Infographics. A remarkably indecisive 2019 season

You can't stand the outrageous domination of Mercedes en Formula 1 and seek uncertainty? The World Rally Championship (WRC) should meet your expectations. As in 2018, and like in 2017 too. 

After seven rounds contested in 2019, the top three in the Drivers' standings are separated by only 10 points, to the advantage of Sébastien Ogier (Citroen). Next Ott Tänak (Toyota) to only units and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) in third place. This graphic below shows how close the fight is between these three competitors after the Rally from Portugal : 

The Frenchman, resounding winner at Monte-Carlo this winter at the end of the closest duel in the history of the competition, certainly endured a difficult Rally Sweden, but has since experienced a progression curve as smooth as new tarmac. The six-time world champion, associated with Julien Ingrassia, played extremely well with the sweep rule. This falls to the leader of the general on the Earth events, which has not prevented him from appearing permanently on “the box” on this type of meeting.

It's now a habit, Ott Tänak is the king of speed. The Estonian is undoubtedly the fastest man of the lot but he still has to materialize; That is not always the case. The Tänak-Jarveoja pair already counts three triumphs in 2019 (Sweden, Chile-Portugal double), but also two finishes off the podium (Corsica, 6th, Argentina, 8th). 

Credited with 28 points behind on the evening of Argentina, Ott Tänak has since undertaken a remarkable comeback thanks also to the Power Stage units gleaned from Portugal. These bonus units could really weigh in the balance at the end of the campaign. In this little game, Sébastien Ogier is doing the best with 21 points, compared to 17 for Ott Tänak and 15 for Thierry Neuville.

>>The rankings after the Rally of Portugal<<

The third thief is precisely Thierry Neuville. The latter had the ability to score a double on two terrains as demanding as they were opposite: the Tour of Corsica (asphalt) and Argentina (dirt). The Belgian, always accompanied by Nicolas Gilsoul, took advantage of this series to silence the critics who were beginning to arise a hypothetical drop in motivation outgoing triple vice-champions.

Even more respectable, the second place signed not far from the Fafe jump in Portugal reassured Hyundai officials about the duo's ability to chase the bad memory of the spectacular Chilean barrel. 

On the Manufacturers' side, the balance is less balanced. The ruthless strategy of the new boss of Hyundai, Andrea Adamo, is currently bearing fruit. The South Korean brand built a respectable lead after Argentina by relying on an alternation between Andreas Mikkelsen, Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo. But after Portugal, the title holders Toyota came back in force. The Japanese only have 20 lengths remaining.

This graph clearly demonstrates the solitude in which Sébastien Ogier finds himself. The Gapençais is rarely helped by his teammate Esapekka Lappi, who accumulates average performances (three retirements, a 6th place as best result in Chile). To prevent the gap from widening, Citroën must count on its duo and not just on its leader.

Find in issue 2219 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands on Wednesday, the analysis of the Rally of Portugal by our special correspondent.