Neuville still leader of the championship, Tänak relaunches in Sweden

It could have been worse. Arrived in Sweden as leaders of the World Rally Championship (WRC) after their victory at Monte-Carlo, Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai) ont quitté le pays nordique toujours en tête, ex-aequo avec Elfyn Evans et Scott Martin (Toyota).

Rally Sweden completed! 6th on the board and 4 points in the Power Stage. We are now co-leading the drivers' standings with @ElfynEvans who did a great performance and we will be second on the road in @RallyMexico. This is not a bad news #WRC #RallySweden pic.twitter.com/jAiTxr0AZo

— Thierry Neuville (@thierryneuville) February 16, 2020

The Belgian duo, in poor form over the first two days, launched a big attack during the Power Stage on Sunday, finishing in second place, behind Kalle Rovanperä and Bonne Halttunen (Toyota). Their final sixth place is thus compensated by the four points collected in the Power Stage.

“We only had one goal this Sunday, explained Thierry Neuville. VSIt was about trying to optimize our situation and push to collect points in the Power Stage. It was close to having the best time, but the conditions were very perilous. 

It was a rough rally, but we couldn't do better. There were a few stages where we lost seconds here and there. I don't think it would have changed the result. (without this waste of time. Editor’s note). »

The Estonians Ott Tänak and Martin Järvoeja are the best Hyundai representatives in Sweden with the second step on the podium. Enough to allow them to unblock the counter after the Monte-Carlo accident. “I am delighted, especially bearing in mind the difficult conditions of the weekend, indicated the wearer of No. 1.

#WRC
Stage wins @RallySweden

5 Evans
2 #Tanak
1 #Neuville
1 Rovanpera#HMSGOfficial #RallySweden pic.twitter.com/zMdrlshRdW

— Hyundai Motorsport (@HMSGOfficial) February 16, 2020

The car demonstrated its speed; we just need to learn more about this topic. After Monte-Carlo, it was important to see the finish, to collect the kilometers and our first points. »

A hint of frustration can be detected in Ott Tänak. “We weren’t able to compete to our full potential, but we made good progress, improving our times as we found confidence behind the wheel. It was an ordeal rich in lessons. »

Craig Breen and Paul Nagle finished seventh having provided support to Thierry Neuville. This overall result does not at all satisfy Andrea Adamo, Team Principal of Hyundai Motorsport. 

“I can’t be satisfied. We have once again highlighted that there are situations where we do not reflect the expected level of performance. We were never in the match and we have always adopted a defensive posture. »

Find it in AUTO issue 2255hebdo (Guide F1 2020), on sale from Wednesday evening in digital version and on February 21 on newsstands, the analysis of the WRC in Sweden by our special correspondent.