Rally Finland 2021
18h
Special classification:
General classification :
18h
As night falls on Finland, Hyundai Motorsport's hopes become as dim as the light. The 14th special stage of this 2021 Rally Finland caused the loss of Thierry Neuville. The Belgian drove at a very slow speed for several kilometers, with the additional headlight strip torn off, before stopping on the side of the road. Any chance of a top 10 is forgotten.
His teammate Craig Breen, for his part, slowed down. From now on, the Irishman is flirting dangerously with the barrier of 20” behind the current leader, Elfyn Evans (Toyota).
There remains little more than Ott Tänak who can challenge the Welshman's domination. But the 2019 world champion conceded 1”4 and cannot catch up with the Yaris.
On the French side, Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) and Adrien Fourmaux (Ford) each gleaned a position thanks to the problems of Thierry Neuville.
18h
Breen: “It’s a bit disappointing but you have to be realistic. It’s not easy to find the final percentages that would make the difference. »
17h
The decline continues for Craig Breen. Of course, the Irishman remains third, but he has now lost contact with the leading duo. His time made him lose an additional 6″2 on Elfyn Evans and he was relegated to 18″3 overall.
17h
Ott Tänak lost almost everything he had achieved this afternoon. The Estonian suddenly concedes 1″4 and falls back to 9″1 behind Elfyn Evans overall.
17h
Elfyn Evans rode with a big attack. He finished 8″ ahead of Sébastien Ogier.
17h
Esapekka Lappi finished just a tenth behind Sébastien Ogier. “The conditions are good. The roads have a harder surface than in summer. »
17h
Thierry Neuville preferred to park on the side of the road! The Belgian from Hyundai Motorsport is having a tough time.
17h
Ogier: “It’s a good loop this afternoon. We improved the set-up, but the only goal left for me is the Power Stage tomorrow. »
17h
At the third intermediate point, Thierry Neuville lost more than a minute on Sébastien Ogier…
17h
Thierry Neuville drives at a very reduced speed! The Hyundai i20 Coupe du Belge no longer has its additional headlight strip. He will lose his fifth place, if not worse!
17h
Fourmaux: “My time isn’t great but I’m happy with my driving. »
17h
Gus Greensmith let out a nervous laugh after making a jump that was a little too long. Fortunately the Englishman stayed on the road, barely.
17h
The sky is getting darker, night is falling in Finland! The headlights come on and the Patajoki 2 special (20,55 km) begins with the two Ford Fiestas from the M-Sport team.
