Croatia Rally 2022
11h
What a change in situation ! While Ott Tänak (Hyundai) could not hope to catch up with Croatian Rally leader Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) as usual, the onset of rain changed the situation in this penultimate special.
On a wet road, the two rivals for victory were the only ones to benefit from two wet tires. However, the Hyundai also started with two soft tires while the Toyota had two hard slick tires.
The difference in pace was glaring. Ott Tänak took control of the event for the first time this weekend at the expense of Kalle Rovanperä, who has been clearly dominant so far!
The gap between the two men is tiny before the final special (1″4). Behind, the positions are fixed, with Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) well isolated on the last step of the podium in front of Craig Breen (M-Sport Ford).
The Power Stage will be followed from 13:18 p.m. in live text on AUTOhebdo.fr.
SS19 ranking:
Provisional general ranking:
10h
Ott Tänak takes the lead of the Croatian Rally by 1″4 ahead of Kalle Rovanperä! What an unexpected scenario in this ordeal! “I can't regain the advantage with these tires. The hard tires don't work at all, the soft ones (from Tänak) perform better. I don't know where this rain came from, it was not forecast according to our information. »
10h
After 10 km, Kalle Rovanperä only has a 2″ lead in the virtual general classification over Ott Tänak!!
10h
Ott Tänak finished with the provisional best time of 19″8 over Thierry Neuville. “Kalle is a good driver, I'm sure he attacks. We'll see, at least I got through it without making a mistake. »
10h
At the first intermediate point, Ott Tänak takes 12″4 from Kalle Rovanperä! At the start, Rovanperä had a 28″ lead overall over Tänak! The duel is intense!
10h
Thierry Neuville set the best time with 1'12″3 ahead of Elfyn Evans! This is unheard of ! “I did a good special. The balance was not ideal with the hard tire on the left front. I used the handbrake a little. Even with those with two hard tires, it can be difficult. »
10h
Elfyn Evans takes the provisional best time with 24″ ahead of Takamoto Katsuta! The gaps are gigantic on this special. “There is no need for a hybrid system in these conditions. I was even afraid that someone would catch me because I was going so slowly! »
10h
After only 4,7 km, Thierry Neuville has an exceptional lead of 27″9 over Elfyn Evans! The Belgian runs on three soft tires and one hard tire, compared to four hard tires for the Welshman.
10h
Author of several slips, Gus Greensmith finished 18″7 behind his teammate Pierre-Louis Loubet.
10h
Pierre-Louis Loubet takes the best provisional time, 3 minutes late compared to his first pass this morning! “I just tried to finish the special, it was dangerous. »
10h
Lappi: “A bit like in Monte-Carlo, the grip is almost absent. I was as slow as on the reconnaissance! »
10h
Pierre-Louis Loubet is the first to set off. The Frenchman did not use rain tires and it shows: the Ford Puma hybrid is constantly sliding!
10h
We meet again for the penultimate special of this event…. and it rains ! The road is wet! Only Kalle Rovanperä and Ott Tänak left with two rain tires in their car this morning.
