Tänak master in Germany, Toyota hat-trick

Ott Tänak did not tremble in the last stage of the Rally from Germany. Despite brake problems on the last two courses, the Estonian managed his lead to achieve his third consecutive victory in this event by winning with around twenty seconds ahead of Kris Meeke. Toyota signs a hat-trick with Jari-Matti Latvala completing the podium.

The championship leader claimed his 11th victory in WRC, his 5th of the season and his second in a row after Finland.

The Hyundai by Dani Sordo and Thierry Neuville complete the Top 5. The Belgian won the Power Stage ahead of Teemu Suninen (M-Sport), Jari-Matti Latvala, Kris Meeke and Sébastien Ogier (Citroen).

The six-time WRC champion had a difficult weekend. Unable to achieve a scratch, the Frenchman fell to 8th place following a puncture in the 2nd stage but, unlike Neuville, was never able to make up time afterwards. The Frenchman failed around ten seconds behind Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) who was beaten by Esapekka Lappi (Citroën) by a gap of 4 seconds.

The Top 10 in the general classification was completed by Gus Greensmith (M-Sport) and Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) who was making his WRC debut.

Jan Kopecky (Skoda) took victory in WRC 2 Pro with more than a minute ahead of Éric Camilli (Ford) who suffered a puncture in the Power Stage. Local Fabian Kreim (Skoda) wins in WRC 2.

With four rounds remaining in the season, Ott Tänak has a 33-point lead over Thierry Neuville. Sébastien Ogier follows at 40 units. Hyundai retains the lead in the Manufacturers' Championship, 8 points ahead of Toyota. Citroën is 65 units behind the Japanese benchmark.

The WRC will resume its rights on the weekend of September 15 with the Rally of Turkey.

UPDATE : 

30 seconds and 20 seconds penalties were applied to the times of Dani Sordo and Esapekka Lappi for intentionally clocking in late at the final service park. This maneuver allows Thierry Neuville and Sébastien Ogier to gain a place (4th and 7th), and thus score more points in the championship. The joys of team instructions have struck again. 

Jan Kopecky (Skoda) won in WRC 2 Pro ahead of Éric Camilli (Ford).

Discover the analysis of the Rally of Germany carried out by our special correspondent in issue 2231 of AUTOhebdo, available from Monday evening in digital version on all platforms, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.