Rally Sweden – Why Ott Tänak must react immediately to Thierry Neuville

Le Rally of Sweden (February 15-18) may well mark the first outing WRC in 2024 of the reigning double world champion Kalle Rovanperä at Toyota, eyes will be turned more towards the side of Hyundai where Thierry Neuville et Ott Tänak will resume their announced duel for the title.

The Belgian drew first, delivering an XXL performance to win in style against Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) during the Monte-Carlo Rally at the start of the season (January 25-28). Back in the Hyundai fold after a year of exile at M-Sport, his Estonian teammate had a more discreet start to the championship with a 4th place a good distance from the victorious i20.

Hence the obligation for the Ott des neiges to respond from the Swedish round, which he had won with the Ford Puma Rally1 12 months earlier. With only 13 rallies on the WRC menu (and not 24 weekends of competition as in other championships), the slightest misstep can have significant mathematical consequences.

« Sweden is a very enjoyable rally as it is mainly focused on pure performance, commented Tänak ahead of the event organized around the town of Umeå. The roads are easy and flat, so the cars aren't really taxed, which helps maximize pace. I would like to see big snow banks and icy roads there. Snowbanks are more of a help than a risk in Sweden. Most of the time, you can use them to your advantage to push the limit, so if the snowbank blows you away, you're probably over the limit.

Stages contested in total darkness are always a challenge. We don't see much, sometimes just where the lights appear. This situation, coupled with driving in snow, means you may find yourself sideways unexpectedly. On the other hand, I'd say it's easier to drive here than in places like mud Wales. The objective will be to behave well. We won last year and we will do our best to fight at the front again. »

A thought for Craig Breen

Neuville is not clumsy on the snow either, having won in Sweden in 2018.

« We are expecting a lot of snow and very cold temperatures, declared the current leader of the 2024 championship. This is something that was manageable last year, but may have been more complicated in the past. For this reason, we will need a lot of precision and responsiveness from the car to be able to launch it from corner to corner and maximize its efficiency.

Snow banks obviously pose a huge risk, especially when temperatures are higher than usual. When it's freezing, they're something you can count on to help you position yourself better and go faster. Clean driving, tire management and road position are all factors that can make rallying very tricky. »

Sweden will also mark the first 2024 rally for Finland's Esapekka Lappi. Finally, Hyundai and the entire WRC family will necessarily have a thought for the late Craig Breen, author of a superb podium in Sweden last year.

The organizers of the Umeå event have also decided to rename the ES Brattby to #42 Brattby (a reference to the Irishman's race number), Craig having dominated this section last season.

READ ALSO : Monte-Carlo Rally: Ott Tänak, a contrasting return to Hyundai