Tänak big winner of the Swedish Rally

Ott Tänak (Toyota) was intractable to Rally from Sweden. The Estonian signed his first victory in the Scandinavian event, his 7th in WRC, winning the Power Stage as a bonus. The title contender repelled his closest pursuer Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) at 3”5 in the final 8,93km Torsby special. Elfyn Evans (M-Sport) followed in 3rd place ahead of the Citroëns of Sébastien Ogier and Esapekka Lappi.

Esapekka Lappi saved his second place by maintaining a lead of 3 seconds over Thierry Neuville, the Finn having been close to being caught on the last course before catching up in the last kilometers.

Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) had to settle for 4th place with less than 3 seconds ahead of Elfyn Evans (M-Sport).

Kris Meeke (Toyota) takes the points for 6th place, ahead of Sébastien by almost 11 seconds Loeb (Hyundai), author of the 8th fastest time in the Power Stage, almost 7 seconds behind the benchmark. Pontus Tidemand (M-Sport) completes the WRC list in 8th place.

Ott Tänak takes control of the Championship with a 7-point lead over Thierry Neuville. Sébastien Ogier slips to 3rd place, 16 points behind the Estonian. Kris Meeke follows 10 points behind the six-time WRC champion, ahead of Esapekka Lappi.

Toyota Gazoo Racing takes the lead among the Manufacturers for a one point lead over Hyundai WRT. Citroën WRT follows 11 units ahead of M-Sport.

In WRC 2, Ole Christian Veiby won by taking 9th position ahead of the Ford WRC of Janne Tuohino. Mads Ostberg (Citroën) won in WRC 2 Pro with more than 3 minutes ahead of Kalle Rovanperä (Skoda) and finished just outside the Top 10 in the general classification. Johan Kristoffersson saves a place on the WRC 2 podium, 16 seconds behind Emil Lindholm (Volkswagen) by finishing 13th overall and thus allowing Volkswagen to monopolize the podium in the category.

The WRC will resume its rights on March 7 with the Rally of Mexico.

Discover the analysis of the Swedish Rally carried out by our special correspondent in issue 2204 of AUTOhebdo, available from Tuesday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Thursday on newsstands.