Croatia Rally 2022
09h
The soft tires fitted by Ott Tänak (Hyundai) were supposed to provide an advantage during the first two stages of Sunday at the Croatia Rally. But this benefit was only minimal for the Estonian, launched into an increasingly futile pursuit behind Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota).
Indeed, the 2019 world champion only gained 2″7 on his Finnish rival in this sector which will serve as the Power Stage at noon. Kalle Rovanperä's margin in the general classification is still comfortable (28″4).
On the other hand, the duel for third position goes in favor of Thierry Neuville (Hyundai, winner of the special). The Belgian overtook an unconfident Craig Breen (M-Sport Ford) on roads where the bends were littered with gravel.
As for WRC2, everything is going well for Yohan Rossel (Citroën). The French driver of the PH Sport team is in management mode with around forty seconds of margin over the Russian Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda).
SS18 ranking:
Provisional general ranking:
09h
As for WRC2, everything is going well for Yohan Rossel (Citroën). The French driver of the PH Sport team is in management mode with around forty seconds of margin over the Russian Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda).
09h
Kalle Rovanperä manages his rally as he sees fit. The Finn only lost 2″7 in this SS on Ott Tänak. Overall, he still leads the event with a margin of 28″4 with only two special stages remaining.
09h
Ott Tänak recorded the 2nd time, 4″8 behind his teammate at Hyundai Motorsport, Thierry Neuville. “On the first part of the SS, the road was very dirty, fortunately for me with my soft tires because otherwise I was going to lose a lot of time. The second half of the ES is too dry for my tires to work. »
09h
It's confirmed, Craig Breen loses his third place to Thierry Neuville in this Croatia Rally! The driver of the Ford Puma hybrid dropped 12″3 on this 14 km special.
In the rankings, Thierry Neuville is now ahead of Craig Breen by 7″8.
09h
The fight for third place is turning in favor of Thierry Neuville! The Belgian signs the best provisional time with authority (6″4 margin over Gus Greensmith), but even more important, the Hyundai distances Craig Breen by 8″ at the first intermediate point! The overall gap was only 5″ before this SS.
08h
Elfyn Evans doesn't push too hard. The Welshman wants to preserve his tires for the Power Stage, which will earn five points to the fastest driver in this same timed portion this afternoon. He sets the 3rd time, 8″2 behind Gus Greensmith.
08h
No miracle for Takamoto Katsuta, author of the 3rd time at 9″2 from Gus Greensmith.
08h
Gus Greensmith takes the provisional scratch time by 1″ over his M-Sport Ford teammate, Pierre-Louis Loubet. “Add four rain tires and I think I can go faster on the second pass, as the grip is so low! » Note that the rain was very brief and that the road shows no trace of puddles.
08h
Confirmation with the provisional best time of Pierre-Louis Loubet with 11″4 ahead of Esapekka Lappi. “On hard tires, the special is very complicated. I think it will be even more difficult during the second pass in Power Stage. »
08h
The special victory is unlikely for Esapekka Lappi, who was guilty of an off-road excursion at the end of the straight.
08h
Time for the 18th special stage, that of all the dangers! Indeed, rain is forecast on the route!
