CER – The final sprint of the WRC is launched

Appearing for the third consecutive time on the calendar of WRC, rally of Central Europe, also known as the CER (European Central Rally), promises to be explosive. After an excessive series of 7 gravel events, this event marks the return of asphalt. This should logically be accompanied by a loss of importance of road position, but this will not be the case this weekend. Each time a driver dives into a corner or dives down the side of a special, he brings earth or gravel into the trajectory. Little by little, the road gets dirty and the grip changes. In Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria where the route winds, the process will be the opposite of that observed on gravel. If on the latter surface, it is better to start at the back to benefit from the sweep, it will be more interesting to be among the first during the first stage. This last will be decisive in determining the starting positions on Saturday. In this context, Sébastien Ogier will have an advantage over his rivals. Having taken the reins of the championship just before this round, the eight-time world champion has put himself in a good position to open up gaps from Friday. Focused on obtaining a 9^e crown, the Frenchman arrives well prepared since he was able to compete in the Herbst Rally in Austria a few days ago. With Vincent Landais, his co-driver, they won after the 99,94 km timed race. It is not so common to see the Champsaurin perform extras of this kind, which shows his motivation. Seb will not have an easy time, however, because his two teammates at Toyota are on its heels. The Japanese brand never gives instructions, so we can expect a fierce battle. With the Constructors' title almost secured for Toyota, the three crews will be able to give it their all.

Three to bring down Ogier?

Only two points behind Ogier, Elfyn Evans is often formidable on the tarmac. Having regained his smile and good feelings in Chile, will the Welshman maintain the same drive? Regularly caught up in the pressure when the stakes become high, the 36-year-old driver is aware that his chances of being crowned one day are diminishing and that he will have to maneuver carefully to avoid jeopardizing his hopes. In addition to having to chase Ogier, Evans will have to keep an eye on Kalle Rovanperä. The latter is only 19 points behind the 2nd^e of the championship. The Finn will start this 12^e event of the season with a clear mind, because he knows that whatever happens, he will not be in the WRC next year. Kalle has indeed decided to aim for another career on the circuit. He has nothing to lose and perhaps he will try an approach identical to that of the Canary Islands where he dominated for three days. Will the double world champion be as comfortable with the Hankook tires in the center of Europe as he was in Spain? A success on his part could lead to an interesting tightening of positions. While these three rivals wearing the same colors will be watching each other to see what choice of setup or what choice of tires his neighbor has made, there is one who goes to the start with the sole ambition of winning. This will be the only solution for Ott Tänak to try to make up the 43-point deficit he has on Ogier. Winner of the CER in 2024, the Estonian decided to race with the old version of the i20, the one called "evolution" clearly not giving him complete satisfaction. 4^e on the road, the pilot Hyundai Will he be penalized by his position? Will the important work done by the team recently with 3 national rallies in 3 weeks bear fruit? Will the Korean finally be able to take advantage of her new tires? A success for the Baltic tandem would make the end of the championship even more exciting.

A taste of the level of the battle will be given on Thursday morning by the shakedown. Then, two special stages of 12,83 km each will serve as hors d'oeuvres before a long day on Friday consisting of six SS representing 99 km of timed stages.