Wilson, Mäkinen and Nandan ready for the final

The 2018 World Rally Championship (WRC) season is the closest in over XNUMX years, this is an observation that we proposed to you a week ago. As the finale of this well-run campaign approaches in Australia (November 15-18), the various bosses of the three teams still in the running for the Drivers' and Manufacturers' titles have expressed their expectations.

In the lead thanks to the return in the form of Sébastien Ogier from Wales, Malcolm wilson (M-Sport Ford) doesn't beat around the bush. « I can't remember the last time we went into the final round with such a small gap. It's the rally at its best! I can't wait to see how things turn out. » Let us point out that the 62-year-old former pilot works in WRC since 1997 !

In just days the 2018 World title fight will reach a thrilling climax as tackles the final stages of the season!

So get ready, the final showdown is just around the corner #WRC #RallyAustralia pic.twitter.com/R1bfJ4qGFe

— Rally Australia (@RallyAustralia) November 13, 2018

The English team manager trusts his French duo. “Sébastien and Julien (Ingrassia) know the procedure to win a championship. They also know what it takes to win Rally Australia (triple winners from 2013 to 2015. Editor’s note). The whole team is behind them, he encourages himself.

If the gap among the Drivers is minimal (three points!), it is different for the Manufacturers, where M-Sport Ford is 25 units behind. “Mathematically, we still have our chances, continues Malcolm Wilson. But it will be a more complicated task. »

The situation is exactly the opposite for Tommi Makinen. The boss of Toyota Gazoo Racing leads the Manufacturers' ranking but its leader Ott Tänak will need a miracle to turn the tide among the Pilots (3rd at 23 points). “An important opportunity presents itself to us: to win a title in our second official season, said the Finn optimistically.

We are on our way to @RallyAustralia, which is the final round of the 2018 season.

Go to our YouTube channel, watch our preview video and find out what is the plan for this.

YouTube: Toyota Gazoo Racing#TOYOTA #YarisWRC #RallyAustralia #WRC #Rallying pic.twitter.com/Rrhqdiq95k

— TGR_WRC (@TGR_WRC) November 9, 2018

It was an exciting season with quite a few ups and downs. As is often the case, this will not be an easy round, but we have reason to be confident. We showed a good performance in Wales and Catalonia on dirt, it would appear that we have found improvements in these conditions, which are roughly similar to what we will have in Australia."

Hyundai, if it does not lead any ranking, can count on Thierry Neuville to beat Sébastien Ogier to the post. The Belgian, leader for many months, will want to regain the advantage in the Antipodes. “What a finale this promises to be, declares Michel Nandan. All four manufacturers will be looking to secure victory. This will certainly be a fierce battle and undoubtedly a fitting end to what has been a fascinating season. »

Experienced Malcolm Wilson finally added a mischievous statement. “I don't think we're at the end of our surprises. Fans are sure to be in for a treat no matter how the season ends. »