The second day of the Central European Rally has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä took the lead from Thierry Neuville on the day.
SS3, Vlachovo Brezi 1
Kalle Rovanperä started the second day of the Central European Rally with a stage win. With Rovanperä posting a time 1.8 seconds faster than Esapekka Lappi to win the stage. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 1.6 seconds slower than Lappi. Thierry Neuville set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than Evans. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, 5.1 seconds slower than Neuville.
SS4, Zvotoky 1
Kalle Rovanperä once again took the stage win on SS4. With the championship leader setting a time 10.1 seconds faster than Esapekka Lappi to win the stage. Elfyn Evans once again finished third fastest on the stage, 4.5 seconds slower than Lappi. Thierry Neuville posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.9 seconds slower than Evans. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 4 seconds slower than Neuville.
SS5, Sumavske Hostice 1
Kalle Rovanperä also took the win on the fifth stage of the Central European Rally. With the Fin posting a time 6.4 seconds faster than championship rival Elfyn Evans to win the stage. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest on the stage, 5.6 seconds slower than Evans. Ott Tänak set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 3.4 seconds slower than Neuville. Sebastien Ogier rounded out the top five on the stage, 5.8 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS6, Vlachovo Brezi 2
Elfyn Evans stopped Rovanperä’s dominance with a stage win on SS6. Evans would set a time 1.1 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville to take his first stage win of the day. Kalle Rovanperä finished third fastest on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Neuville. Ott Tänak posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 6.9 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Grégoire Munster rounded out the top five on the stage, 2.9 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS7, Zvotoky 2
Kalle Rovanperä was back to his ways on the seventh stage of the Central European Rally. With Rovanperä posting a time 8 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville to take the stage win. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 1.7 seconds slower than Neuville. Ott Tänak set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 7.9 seconds slower than Evans. Sebastien Ogier rounded out the top five on the stage, 6.6 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS8, Sumavske Hostice 2
Thierry Neuville capped the second day of the Central European Rally with a stage win. The Belgian would set a time 1.1 seconds faster than Kalle Rovanperä to win the stage. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 10 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Sebastien Ogier posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 5.7 seconds slower than Evans. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 6.4 seconds slower than Ogier.
Rovanperä Dominates
Kalle Rovanperä was at his A-game today. Winning 4 out of the day’s 6 stages and taking a 36.4-second lead over Thierry Neuville into day three. This is ideal for Rovanperä who has a chance to win the championship this weekend. Rovanperä sits 47.2 seconds up on his championship rival Elfyn Evans. All Rovanperä has to do now is hold his lead. This is Rovanperä however and he will likely continue to push tomorrow. As if he didn’t, there may be cause for concern.
Not Again
Esapekka Lappi is once again out of the rally due to an accident. His rally lasted 4 stages longer than it did in Chile earlier this month. However, on SS5 Lappi would go wide on a corner and clip a tree. Flinging his car into a berm and then off the road. His i20 was too damaged to continue. He may rejoin the event tomorrow but it’s looking unlikely.
What To Expect From Day Three Of The Central European Rally
Day three of the Central European Rally will see drivers compete two loops of three stages yet again. This time the loops are shorter, only totalling 54.75 km for each loop. Making the total stage kilometres on the stage 109.50. This time however Kalle Rovanperä won’t be the first on the road. He will be the last Rally1 car to drive the stage. Being the current rally leader is a slight disadvantage for Rovanperä on tarmac. As overtime, the more drivers cut on the stage the more dirt and mud will go out onto the road. Pierre-Louis Loubet will be first on the road as he currently sits last. Then Grégoire Munster second and Teemu Suninen third.
The first day of the Central European Rally has come to an end. Thierry Neuville leads the rally after the day.
SSS1, Velka Chuchle
Ott Tänak kicked off the Central European Rally with a stage win. Tänak would set a time 0.7 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to win the opening stage. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Ogier. Esapekka Lappi posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Neuville. Teemu Suninen rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.8 seconds slower than Lappi.
SSS2, Circuit Of Klatovy
Thierry Neuville topped the second stage of the weekend. Posting a time 2.2 seconds faster than Ott Tänak to take the rally lead. Kalle Rovanperä finished third fastest on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Tänak. Esapekka Lappi set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Sebastien Ogier rounded out the top five on the stage, 3.1 seconds slower than Lappi.
Not The Start Evans Was Hoping For
Elfyn Evans is in the pressure zone this weekend. As his championship hopes are on the line. Evans didn’t have the greatest start to the Central European Rally. As he currently sits 8th overall 10.7 seconds behind Thierry Neuville. More importantly, he sits 4.8 seconds behind his championship rival and teammate Kalle Rovanperä. Evans won the last time the WRC had a tarmac event. However, that was all the way back in April. There is a reason why Evans is behind, however. As on SSS2 he overshot a corner and lost time after his brakes locked up. Overall Evans probably doesn’t have much to worry about, however, those 4.8 seconds could be the difference maker in his championship hopes staying alive or ending this weekend.
What To Expect From Day Two Of The Central European Rally
The first full day of the Central European Rally will see drivers face two loops of three stages totalling 60.90 km each loop and 121.80 km total. Kalle Rovanperä will be the first on the road all day long. As he is the championship leader. This isn’t much of an issue for Rovanperä however. As tarmac rallies don’t require sweeping like gravel events do. It also is ideal for Rovanperä on the first run through each stage as over time more mud will be pulled out of corners from drivers cutting. The current forecast says the stages will be wet tomorrow. Which in turn means more mud for drivers to pull out and slicker roads overall.
The Shakedown stage for the Central European Rally has come to an end. Thierry Neuville set the fastest time on the stage.
Shakedown WRC1
Thierry Neuville topped the shakedown stage for the WRC1 class. Neuville would set a time 1.4 seconds faster than Kalle Rovanperä. Rally Chile BioBio winner Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the shakedown stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans posted the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Tänak. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the shakedown stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Evans.
Shakedown WRC2
Yohan Rossel topped the shakedown stage in the WRC2 class. Rossel would post a time 0.8 seconds faster than Adrien Fourmuax. Gus Greensmith finished with the third fastest time on the shakedown stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Fourmaux. WRC2 Championship leader Andreas Mikkelsen set the fourth fastest time on the shakedown stage, 0.8 seconds slower than Greensmith. Nikolay Gryazin rounded out the top five in WRC2 on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Mikkelsen.
Stage Interrupted
The shakedown stage was brought to a stop. It was stopped due to emergency traffic needing to get through to a non-rally related emergency. Luckily this didn’t interfere with anyone’s run on the stage or prevent drivers from running the stage.
What To Expect From Day One Of The Central European Rally
Tomorrow (October 26th) marks the start of the first-ever Central European Rally. The event will kick off with two SuperSpecial stages. The first SuperSpecial is 2.55 km long and the second is 8.92km long. Not much will be decided tomorrow. As normally gaps on a SuperSpecial stage are tenths of a second between the top runners. However, with a near 9km stage, it’s possible there will be a couple seconds between the top drivers to end the day. Seconds that could help a driver win the event.
The 2023 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with the twelfth round, the Central European Rally.
Drivers’ Championship Rundown
Kalle Rovanperä remained in the championship after a rough Rally Chile BioBio. Rovanperä managed to only lose two points to Elfyn Evans, who had an equally rough event. Heading into the penultimate round just 31 points separate the two Toyota drivers. The championship has a chance to be handed out this weekend as a result of this 31-point gap. All Rovanperä needs to do to win his second consecutive championship is score equal to or more points than Evans this weekend.
Moving on from the championship contenders to the rest of the top five. Thierry Neuville will likely be looking to close the gap between himself and Evans this weekend. As just 31 points separate the two. Second is the highest Neuville can achieve this season. This weekend may be Neuville’s best chance to close the gap between him and Evans if he wants a chance at second in the championship. As Neuville has won on German tarmac before. Neuville will likely receive pressure from his teammate next season Ott Tänak. As Tänak sits just 9 points behind the Belgian and is likely hungry to get on the podium in the championship. Sebastien Ogier still sits fifth even though he hasn’t driven since Greece. Ogier will return this weekend, however, the only thing he can do is hold position in the championship from Esapekka Lappi who sits just one point behind.
A Newish Experience
This weekend will mark the first-ever Central European Rally. With the event taking place in the Czech Republic, Germany and Austria. Some drivers have past experience on German tarmac, however, nobody has experience on it in a Rally1 car. Outside of Pre-event testing of course. Which is something all teams did before the event. As this is the first time tarmac has been seen in the WRC since April for the Croatia Rally. A new rally means it’s hard to know what to expect from every driver. Meaning the ones who are willing to take the risks could be rewarded big time, or have their chances at a win ended abruptly.
World Rally Team Rundowns
Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT
Hyundai sits in a decent spot currently. As the team and drivers have no pressure heading into the weekend. With the manufacturers’ championship being wrapped up in Chile, it takes that weight off the teams shoulders. This will likely allow the team to do some much-needed R&D throughout the event this weekend. It will also allow the drivers to learn the event with a bit less pressure on their shoulders. Thierry Neuville, Esapekka Lappi and Teemu Suninen will drive for the team this weekend.
Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT
With Toyota wrapping up the Manufacturers championship in Chile it now turns the attention to the Drivers’ Championship. Something Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans are battling for currently. With the Manufacturers Championship out of the way, it’ll give Evans and Rovanperä a bit more breathing room. It’ll also potentially allow them to take more risks if they want to. Joining Rovnanperä and Evans this weekend will be Takamoto Katsuta and 8-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier.
M-Sport Ford WRT
Pressure has been mentioned a lot in these rundowns. However, M-Sport really hasn’t had any pressure in a while. As Tänak hasn’t been competing for wins at the second half of the gravel events. Thanks to retirements or penalties. His first real chance since Rally Italia Sardegna to take a win was Rally Chile BioBio. Which he snapped up the opportunity and won showing he still has it. The Central European Rally will be Tänak’s penultimate event with M-Sport. As the Estonian is going back to Hyundai next season. This weekend will also be Pierre-Louis Loubet’s final event of the season. As Adrien Fourmuax is subbing in for Loubet at Rally Japan. Grégoire Munster will once again join Tänak and Loubet for this weekend’s event.
Kalle Rovanperä will once again have a chance to win the Driver’s’ Championship at the Central European Rally this weekend.
How Rovanperä Can Win
Kalle Rovanperä has a strong chance at taking home his second consecutive Drivers’ Championship this weekend. All Rovanperä has to do is the following to win the championship. Score equal to or more points than Elfyn Evans. Alternatively, if Rovanperä scores 1 point less than Evans he will also win the championship via countback. However, if he wins this way, the championship likely won’t be awarded until Rally Japan.
How Evans Can Stay In The Battle
Elfyn Evans also won’t have the hardest of times stopping Rovanperä from winning the championship this weekend. As all he needs to do is score 2 points more than Rovanperä to remain in the championship race. However, even if Evans scores the 2 points needed to stay in the championship hunt it likely won’t matter. As that will only put Evans 29 points behind Rovanperä. This means Rovanperä will likely win the championship in Japan next month. As at that point the only way Evans could win the championship is if he wins Rally Japan and places second or higher on the Powerstage and Rovanperä retires.
Rovanperä’s To Lose
Given everything previously mentioned, Kalle Rovanperä has practically won the drivers’ championship. There’s about an 80% chance Rovanperä will claim the championship this weekend. Yes, the amount of points Evans needs to stop Rovanperä from winning is slim. However, Rovanperä is head and shoulders the best driver in the championship currently and Evans won’t have an easy time beating Rovanperä this weekend. The battle will come down to experience. Evans has more experience, especially under pressure. While Rovanperä really doesn’t. Evans needs to hope he pressures Rovanperä into a mistake or Rovanperä makes a mistake on his own.
Earlier this week Pierre-Louis Loubet announced his new co-driver for the Central European Rally, find out who it is below.
Who Is It?
Pierre-Louis Loubet goes from an experienced WRC co-driver in Nicolas Gilsoul to a less experienced former WRC co-driver. As Loubet will be joined by Benjamin Veillas for the Central European Rally next weekend. Veillas has a bit of history within the WRC. As he has previously co-driven for Eric Camilli in WRC1 and WRC2. He also spent last season up until Rally Japan co-driving for some guy named Sebastien Ogier. Veillas only has 1 WRC win under his belt and an additional podium. Both with Ogier last season.
A Bit Of History
Veillas started his co-driving career in 1997. He pretty much exclusively did rounds of French rally championships but never found much success in the championships. Nonetheless, in 2015 Veillas got his big break. Joining Eric Camilli in WRC2 for the season. Veillas still co-drives occasionally for Camilli now. The duo found mixed success in WRC2, claiming a handful of podiums and 3 WRC2 event wins. In 2022 Veillas joined Sebastien Ogier for the season. The duo had decent results, finishing top five at all but one event.
Why Did Loubet Choose Veillas?
The exact reason why Loubet chose Veillas will likely remain unknown. However one of the bigger factors as to why Veillas was chosen probably has to do with his nationality. Veillas is French, much like Loubet. In the past, Loubet has had decent results with a French co-driver. Experience likely didn’t play much of a part in why Loubet chose Veillas. However, it doesn’t seem like the Loubet and Veillas partnership will be a long-term thing. As Veillas is 45 and will be 46 in February. While Loubet is 26 and will be 27 in February. Veillas likely isn’t going to co-drive for much longer. Which raises the question of why Loubet chose him. When he could’ve chosen a younger co-driver who’s around his age to build experience with. Much like those before him have. The answer to that question is probably availability. Loubet had to find a co-driver in relatively short notice as far as we are aware. As it’s likely Loubet’s decision to split from Gilsoul came after Rally Chile BioBio, which was less than a month ago.
The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team announced earlier today that Adrien Fourmaux will drive a Rally1 Puma for the team at Rally Japan.
Getting A Chance
Adrien Forumaux will get another chance in a Rally1 car at Rally Japan. Forumaux hasn’t driven a Rally1 car since Rally RACC Catalunya last season. Forumaux and M-Sport decided to cut his season short after the Frenchman had a poor showing all season long. Including 3 retirements due to crashes in the first 5 events of the season. M-Sport called this Fourmaux’s reward for winning the British Rally Championship this season. However, that’s likely just a cover-up for the actual reason Fourmaux is getting the opportunity. As it has been speculated Fourmaux will drive for the team next season in a Rally1 car. Fourmaux may be getting the opportunity in the car in Japan for M-Sport to see if he’s improved. Alternatively, it’ll also be a chance for Fourmuax to get back used to the car before next season.
Filling In For Loubet
Adrien Fourmaux’s opportunity to drive a Rally1 car again comes with a slight catch. As Fourmaux will fill in for Pierre-Louis Loubet whose last event will be the Central European Rally. The decision for Loubet to end the season after the Central European Rally was made after EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. M-Sport and Loubet hope the extended break will allow Loubet to concentrate on getting everything ready for the start of the 2024 season in Monte-Carlo. This may also be the first sign that Loubet will be with M-Sport once again next season. Loubet’s future with M-Sport was in question after the Frenchman started a rumor that the team would leave the WRC next season. However, that rumor was quickly put to bed by the team. M-Sport could roster a team of Loubet and Forumaux as full-time drivers with guys like Grégoire Munster being part-time, among other WRC2 drivers.
Earlier today (October 19th) the World Rally Championship revealed the calendar for the 2024 season. Find out more below.
The Calendar
- Rallye Monte-Carlo 25-28 January
- Rally Sweden 15-18 February
- Safari Rally Kenya 28-31 March
- Croatia Rally 18-21 April
- Vodafone Rally De Portugal 9-12 May
- Rally Italia Sardegna 30 May-2 June
- Orlen 80th Rally Poland 27-30 June
- Tet Rally Latvia 18-21 July
- Secto Rally Finland 1-4 August
- EKO Acropolis Rally Greece 5-8 September
- Rally Chile BioBio 26-29 September
- Central European Rally 31 October-3 November
- Forum8 Rally Japan 21-24 November
New Additions
As previously confirmed Rally Poland and Tet Rally Latvia are being added to the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar. Rally Poland is a returning event that was last run in 2017. While Tet Rally Latvia is making its World Rally Championship debut after being a European Rally Championship mainstay for years. Both events are fast gravel events somewhat like Rally Estonia which has been removed from the 2024 calendar. Rally Poland and Tet Rally Latvia will be part of back-to-back-to-back fast gravel events. With the legendary Secto Rally Finland being the third event.
Taken Off The Calendar
Rally Estonia and Rally Mexico are the only events taken off the 2024 World Rally Championship calendar. Both events were expected to be taken off. As Mexico was known to be a one-off event before it even took place this season. While it was also known Rally Estonia would be absent from the 2024 calendar.
Neither event being absent from the calendar is a surprise. It’s disappointing that two fan-favorite events are taken off the calendar but you can’t always get what you wish for. Rally Mexico has a chance to return in the near future, however, it’s unlikely with a WRC event in the United States seemingly around the corner. As for Estonia, it’ll likely only be a matter of time before the event is back on the calendar. However, it likely doesn’t top the list of events that will return or be added to the calendar in upcoming seasons.
Event Changes
The only major change to the World Rally Championship calendar in 2024 is the time Safari Rally Kenya runs. Since its return to the WRC in 2021 the event has run in June. However, up until 1998, the event ran on Easter Weekend.
Ott Tänak’s departure from M-Sport raises a question, will there be any other big moves this WRC silly season?
Toyota
Toyota doesn’t seem like a candidate for any big moves this silly season. As it seems Kalle Rovanperä and Elfyn Evans will stay with Toyota. Sebastien Ogier has already confirmed he will stay with the Japanese manufacturer. Takamoto Katsuta also likely isn’t leaving Toyota next season. Keeping all their current drivers seems like Toyota’s preferred option. As they currently hold three of the top five drivers in the championship. Along with the youngest champion in WRC history that is only getting better.
Hyundai
As for Hyundai, Thierry Neuville was the only driver for next season who had a contract before Tänak and Ogier received theirs. Dani Sordo, Esapekka Lappi and Teemu Suninen are all question marks. As with only three confirmed cars for next season, and two of which are occupied by Tänak and Neuville that leaves one car for the three drivers. Most likely Lappi and Suninen will split the car next season. However that all depends on Sordo. If Sordo wants the seat he will get it. Leaving Suninen or Lappi without a seat. In that scenario, Suninen will most likely get the seat. There has been talk of Hyundai getting a fourth car for next season. However, that likely won’t clear up this issue. As the fourth car will likely be used to help a young driver learn the ropes in a Rally1 car like Emil Lindholm.
M-Sport
M-Sport has no drivers confirmed for next season, and nobody is really tied to a Rally1 drive. As it sounds like the relationship between M-Sport and Pierre-Louis Loubet isn’t good and likely won’t continue. Adrien Fourmuax will likely return to Rally1 action next season with M-Sport. Other than that it’s been surprisingly quiet from M-Sport. Andreas Mikkelsen may get a drive with the team. However, it sounds as if M-Sport wants to go down the route of giving younger drivers the opportunity to drive a Rally1 car.
To Answer The Question
To put it simply, no there likely won’t be any other big moves this WRC silly season. Unless one comes out of nowhere which is unlikely. You could say the Tänak move back to Hyundai was unexpected so anything can be expected. However, that isn’t necessarily true. As it was suspected Tänak would leave M-Sport at the end of the 2023 season if a better opportunity presented itself.
What Drivers Could Move Around?
As for drivers who could actually move around this off-season, there’s a short list of them that are expected. To get the previously mentioned drivers out of the way, Esapekka Lappi, Pierre-Louis Loubet and Adrien Fourmuax are all candidates to be moved. Along with that trio, there are WRC2 Drivers Andreas Mikkelsen, Grégoire Munster, Oliver Solberg, Gus Greensmith and Emil Lindholm are moved up to a Rally1 car. To be clear, not all the WRC2 drivers mentioned can move up to a Rally1 drive as there are only so many seats. However, it’s hard to know who will get a seat if any of them will. It’s also worth noting there may be a driver that wasn’t listed that moves up unexpectedly.
With Pierre-Louis Loubet switching co-drivers it raises a larger question, does the Frenchman have a spot in the WRC next season?
Loubet’s 2023 Season
Pierre-Louis Loubet hasn’t necessarily been living up to expectations this season. Although it is only his first full WRC season, the Frenchman showed some promise in 2022. As Loubet finished top five twice last season and was on pace to win EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. That was until a mechanical issue ended his hopes. Loubet hasn’t managed to finish top five at all this season. With his highest finishes being sixth at Rally Sweden and Rally Estonia. Loubet has suffered a mechanical issue or crashed out of 6 of the 11 events so far this season. His 2023 season is reminiscent of Adrien Forumaux’s 2022 season. As both drivers are talented they just haven’t been able to find themselves in the top level of the WRC.
What Could Be Next?
Loubet likely won’t continue with M-Sport next season. As Loubet has made some unfavorable comments about the team and started a large rumor about the team leaving the championship next season. Loubet may get the same treatment as Oliver Solberg, Gus Greensmith and Adrien Fourmuax are getting this season. That treatment is the WRC2 treatment. As Solberg, Greensmith and Fourmuax all got pushed down to WRC2 at the end of last season to help them develop and find themselves. Something Loubet needs to do. WRC2 may not be a bad thing for Loubet. As it will allow him to work out his kinks in a car that is much simpler to drive and handle compared to the Rally1 car.
Who Could Loubet Drive For?
If Loubet and M-Sport part ways and Loubet wants a WRC2 drive he will likely get a good bit of interest. Chances are Loubet will end up with one of Toksport, Toyota, some Citroen team or go back to Hyundai. Sköda and Toyota would give Loubet the best chance at winning. However, Loubet has more experience in Hyundai rally cars. As he drove a Hyundai i20 WRC before joining M-Sport.