The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round 10, EKO Acropolis Rally Greece.
Championship Rundown
Oliver Solberg leads the WRC2 championship heading into EKO Acropolis Rally Greece. As the Swede holds a 28-point lead over Sami Pajari. Yohan Rossel is third in the championship, 12 points behind Pajari. Lauri Joona sits fourth in the championship, 13 points behind Rossel. Jan Solans and Nikolay Grayzin tie for fifth in the championship, with both sitting 10 points behind Joona.
Solberg will be absent from Greece this weekend. Meaning this is the perfect opportunity for Pajari and Rossel to take points off of Solberg. Solberg will retain the championship lead after this weekend. However, that lead could be cut to three points after all is said and done. After this weekend both Solberg and Pajari will have contested 6-point scoring events. Rossel will have only completed 5 of his 7 rounds. Joona is out of the running for the championship as after this weekend he will have completed all 7 point-scoring rounds. Grayzin will have competed in four of the seven rounds, while Solans will have completed five. In short, Rossel is the favourite to take home the championship. As he still has two rounds to score points after this weekend. However, only one will count towards the championship. He will be doing Rally Chile BioBio at the end of the month. Then Rossel will likely do the Central European Rally. Solberg will be using Chile as his final point-scoring round. While Pajari will be absent. Likely choosing to use Japan for his final point-scoring round.
Itinerary
Friday
The first day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will see drivers’ contest 135.02 km across six stages. With the longest of these stages is the 23.37 km Tarzan stage which will end each loop. While the shortest is the 21.67 km Dafni stage, which is the second stage on each loop. The day features one 30-minute service between loops and a 45-minute service to end the day.
Saturday
The second day will see drivers contest 116.23 km across another six stages. The day’s longest stage is the 28.67 Rengini stage which serves as the day’s open stage and is only run once. The shortest stage is the 1.97 km EKO SSS stage, which will end the day off. Drivers will have to be cautious as there is no midday service. The day ends with a 45-minute service so teams can prepare the cars for the final day of action.
Sunday
The third and final day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will see drivers contest 54.05 km across 3 stages. The day’s longest stage is the 18.29 km Eleftherohori stage which is run twice as SS14 and SS15 and will be the Wolf Powerstage. The shortest stage is the 17.47 km Inohori stage which opens the day.
The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round 10, EKO Acropolis Rally Greece.
Championship Rundown
Thierry Neuville still leads the championship as he has since Monte Carlo. The Belgian takes a 27-point lead over Sebastien Ogier into the Acropolis. Ott Tänak sits third in the championship, 31 points behind Neuville and 4 behind Ogier. Elfyn Evans is fourth in the championship. With the Welshman sitting 5 points behind Tänak. Adrien Fourmaux rounds out the championship top five, 23 points down from Evans.
It should be a good battle between Neuville and Ogier at the legendary event. However, they won’t be the only ones hoping for good results this weekend. As this weekend is also the last true chance for Tänak and Evans to get back into the fight. As with three rounds left after Greece, only it will be hard for either to get back into the battle unless Neuville and Ogier each have a bad event down the road. For Tänak and Evans, it’s a bad event to have as your last hope. This is a result of Greece being a rough and unforgiving event. Arguably more unforgiving than the Safari Rally.
Itinerary
Friday
The first day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will see drivers’ contest 135.02 km across six stages. With the longest of these stages is the 23.37 km Tarzan stage which will end each loop. While the shortest is the 21.67 km Dafni stage, which is the second stage on each loop. The day features one 30-minute service between loops and a 45-minute service to end the day.
Saturday
The second day will see drivers contest 116.23 km across another six stages. The day’s longest stage is the 28.67 Rengini stage which serves as the day’s open stage and is only run once. The shortest stage is the 1.97 km EKO SSS stage, which will end the day off. Drivers will have to be cautious as there is no midday service. The day ends with a 45-minute service so teams can prepare the cars for the final day of action.
Sunday
The third and final day of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will see drivers contest 54.05 km across 3 stages. The day’s longest stage is the 18.29 km Eleftherohori stage which is run twice as SS14 and SS15 and will be the Wolf Powerstage. The shortest stage is the 17.47 km Inohori stage which opens the day.
The fourth and final day of Rally Finland 2024 has come to an end. Sebastien Ogier took the lead to take home the win after Rovanperä crashed out.
SS17, Sahloinen-Moksi 1
Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the final day of his home event with yet another stage win. As Rovanperä set a time 0.4 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans to take the stage win. Esapekka Lappi was third fastest on the stage, one second slower than Rovanperä and 0.6 seconds slower than Evans. Sebastian Ogier finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Lappi. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.3 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS18, Laajavouri 1
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on the eighteenth stage of Rally Finland 2024. With a time 0.2 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.4 seconds slower than Ogier. Elfyn Evans set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Neuville. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Evans.
SS19, Sahloinen-Moksi 2
Takamoto Katsuta took home the stage win on the event’s penultimate stage. With a time 0.6 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville and Esapekka Lappi who tied for second fastest on the stage. Sebastian Ogier finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Neuville and Lappi. Sami Pajari rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 2.5 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS20, Laajavouri 2
Takamoto Katsuta also took home the stage win on the final stage of Rally Finland 2024. Setting a time 0.7 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville. Esapekka Lappi finished third fastest on the stage, 1.1 seconds slower than Katsuta and 0.4 seconds slower than Neuville. Adrien Fourmuax set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Lappi. Sebastian Ogier rounded out the top five on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
The third day of Rally Finland 2024 has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä remains in the event lead after the day’s six stages.
SS11, Västilä 1
Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the second day of his home event with a stage win. As the 2-time champion set a time 2.2 seconds faster than reigning Rally Finland winner Elfyn Evans. Sebastien Ogier was third fastest on the stage, 5.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 3.9 seconds slower than Evans. Sami Pajari finished fourth fastest on the stage, 1.5 seconds slower than Ogier. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, 1.5 seconds slower than Pajari.
SS12, Päijälä 1
Kalle Rovanperä also took home the stage win on the twelfth stage of Rally Finland 2024. With a time 3.3 seconds faster than Esapekka Lappi. Takamoto Katsuta finished third fastest, 4.1 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.8 seconds slower than Lappi. Thierry Neuville set the fourth fastest time on the stage, two seconds slower than Katsuta. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.6 seconds slower than Neuville.
SS13, Ouninpohja 1
Kalle Rovanperä topped the third stage of the day to complete a sweep of the morning loop. Rovanperä took the stage win with a time 0.1 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier. Takamoto Katsuta finished third fastest on the stage, eight seconds slower than Rovanperä and 7.9 seconds slower than Ogier. Sami Pajari set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 4.2 seconds slower than Katsuta. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 6.4 seconds slower than Pajari.
SS14, Västilä 2
Kalle Rovanperä’s streak of dominance continued on the fourteenth stage of Rally Finland 2024. As the event leader set a time 6.7 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to top the stage. Thierry Neuville finished third fastest on the stage, 7.5 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.8 seconds slower than Ogier. Sami Pajari was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Neuville. While Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.8 seconds slower than Pajari.
SS15, Päijälä 2
Esapekka Lappi brought Rovanperä’s stage win streak to an end. As the Finnish driver finished 0.5 seconds faster than his fellow countryman Kalle Rovanperä to take the stage win. Adrien Fourmaux was third fastest on the stage, 3.3 seconds slower than Lappi and 2.8 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.4 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 2.9 seconds slower than Evans.
SS16, Ouninpohja 2
Kalle Rovanperä capped off the third day of Rally Finland 2024 with his fifth stage win of the day. With a time 4.8 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to take the stage win. Sami Pajari finished third fastest on the stage, 5.8 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.7 seconds slower than Ogier. Adrien Fourmaux was fourth fastest on the stage, 5.2 seconds slower than Pajari. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
The second day of Rally Finland 2024 has come to an end Kalle Rovanperä leads after the first 10 stages of the legendary event.
Day One – SS1, Harju 1
Thierry Neuville kicked off the weekend with a stage win. As the Belgian set a time 1.1 seconds faster than Takamoto Katsuta to take home the stage win. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Neuville and 0.2 seconds slower than Katsuta. Sebastien Ogier was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Tänak. Kalle Rovanperä rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Ogier.
Day Two – SS2, Laukaa 1
Elfyn Evans topped the first stage of the second day of Rally Finland 2024. With a time 0.4 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to top the stage. Kalle Rovanperä finished third fastest, 1.1 seconds slower than Evans and 0.7 seconds slower than Ogier. Takamoto Katsuta set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.4 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Thierry Neuville rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.5 seconds slower than Katsuta.
SS3, Saarikas 1
Kalle Rovanperä took his first stage win of the weekend. As the Finnish star set a time 0.4 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans to take the stage win. Esapekka Lappi finished third fastest, 0.9 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.5 seconds slower than Evans. Sebastien Ogier was fourth fastest on the stage, 2.1 seconds slower than Lappi. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.4 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS4, Myhinpãä 1
Elfyn Evans took home the stage win on the fourth stage of Rally Finland 2024. With a time 0.8 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville. Sebastien Ogier set the third fastest time on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Evans and 0.4 seconds slower than Neuville. Kalle Rovanperä finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.8 seconds slower than Ogier. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Rovanperä.
SS5, Ruuhimäki 1
Kalle Rovanperä answered Evans stage win with a stage win of his own on SS5. As Rovanperä finished 0.6 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville to top the stage. Elfyn Evans was third fastest on the stage, 1.4 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.8 seconds slower than Neuville. Sebastien Ogier set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.4 seconds slower than Evans. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.4 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS6, Laukaa 2
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on the sixth stage of Rally Finland 2024. Setting a time 2.4 seconds faster than Sami Pajari. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 4.5 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 2.1 seconds slower than Pajari. Sebastien Ogier was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Evans. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.5 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS7, Saarikas 2
Kalle Rovanperä took home his third consecutive stage win on SS7. As the Finnish driver finished with a time 3.1 seconds faster than Elfyn Evans. Thierry Neuville set the third fastest time on the stage, 4.3 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 1.2 seconds slower than Evans. Sebastien Ogier was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. Sami Pajari rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS8, Myhinpãä
Thierry Neuville took home his second stage win of the weekend on the eighth stage of Rally Finland 2024. With a time 1.3 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 2.4 seconds slower than Neuville, and 1.1 seconds slower than Ogier. Kalle Rovanperä set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 1.3 seconds slower than Evans. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Rovanperä.
SS9, Ruuhimäki 2
Sami Pajari took home his first WRC stage win on the ninth stage of his home event. Finishing with a time 0.5 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to take the stage win. Kalle Rovanperä set the third fastest time on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Pajari and 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier. Thierry Neuville was fourth fastest on the stage, 1.4 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.4 seconds slower than Neuville.
SS10, Harju 2
Sebastien Ogier topped the final stage of Rally Finland 2024 day two. With a time 0.2 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville. Elfyn Evans finished third fastest on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Ogier and 0.4 seconds slower than Neuville. Aiden Fourmaux set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Evans. Kalle Rovanperä rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
The third day of Rally Latvia has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä remains in the event lead after the day’s eight stages.
SS9, Pilskalns
Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the third day in the same fashion as days one and two. As the Finnish driver set a time 5.4 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to top the stage. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the opening stage, 5.5 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier. Mārtinš Sesks and Takamoto Katsuta tied for third fastest on the stage. With both drivers finishing 2.6 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS10, Snēpele
Kalle Rovanperä also took home the stage win on the tenth stage of Rally Latvia 2024. With a time two seconds faster than Ott Tänak. Elfyn Evans was third fastest on the stage, 3.8 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 1.8 seconds slower than Tänak. Takamoto Katsuta finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Evans. Mārtinš Sesks rounded out the top five, finishing 0.9 seconds slower than Katsuta.
SS11, Īvande
Ott Tänak ended Rovanperä’s dominance with a stage win on SS11. As the Estonian finished 2.7 seconds faster than Takamoto Katstua to win the stage. Kalle Rovanperä was third fastest on the stage, 2.8 seconds slower than Tänak and 0.1 seconds slower than Katsuta. Sebastien Ogier set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the stage, two seconds slower than Ogier.
SS12, Vecplis 1
Kalle Rovanperä was back to his winning ways on the twelfth stage of Rally Latvia 2024. As the rally leader set a time 1.4 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to take the stage win. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 1.5 seconds slower than Rovanperä, and 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier. Mārtinš Sesks was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Tänak. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing three seconds slower than Sesks.
SS13, Podnieki
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on SS13. With a time 2.6 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier. Mārtinš Sesks had the third fastest time on the stage, 2.8 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.2 seconds slower than Ogier. Adrien Fourmaux finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Sesks. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
SS14, Vecpils 2
Kalle Rovanperä was also the fastest on the fourteenth stage of Rally Latvia 2024. As the Finnish driver finished 2.7 seconds faster than Ott Tänak to take the stage win. Sebastien Ogier was third fastest on the stage, 3.9 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 1.2 seconds slower than Tänak. Adrien Fourmaux set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Ogier. While Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, with a time 0.1 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
SS15, Dinsdrube
Sebastien Ogier took home the stage win on the third day’s penultimate stage. As the eight-time champion set a time 0.3 seconds faster than Kalle Rovanperä to top the stage. Takamoto Katsuta was third fastest on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Ogier and 0.2 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Ott Tänak finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.5 seconds slower than Katsuta. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS16, Liepāja City Stage
Kalle Rovanperä topped the final stage of the third day of Rally Latvia 2024. With a time 0.1 seconds faster than Takamoto Katsuta. Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans tied for third fastest on the stage, with both finishing 0.2 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.1 seconds slower than Katsuta. Sebastien Ogier rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.3 seconds slower than Neuville and Evans.
The second day of Rally Latvia 2024 has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä retained the event lead after the day.
SS2, Milzkalne 1
Kalle Rovanperä kicked off the second day with a stage win. As the Finnish driver set a time 1.3 seconds faster than Sebastien Ogier to take the stage win. Takamoto Katsuta was third fastest on the stage, 1.7 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.4 seconds slower than Ogier. Mārtinš Sesks finished fourth fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Katsuta. Esapekka Lappi rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.7 seconds slower than Sesks.
SS3, Tukums 1
Mārtinš Sesks took home his first stage win on the third stage of Rally Latvia 2024. With a time 1.6 seconds faster than Kalle Rovanperä. Ott Tänak finished third fastest on the stage, 3.5 seconds slower than Sesks and 1.9 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Sebastien Ogier set the fourth fastest time, 1.1 seconds slower than Tänak. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, 4.3 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS4, Andumi
Mārtinš Sesks also took home the stage win on SS4. As Sesks finished with a time 0.1 seconds faster than Kalle Rovanperä. Adrien Fourmaux was third fastest on the stage, 0.6 seconds slower than Sesks and 0.5 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Sebastien Ogier set the fourth-fastest time on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Fourmaux. Ott Tänak rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 1.9 seconds slower than Ogier.
SS5, Milzkalne 2
Sebastien Ogier took his first stage win of the weekend on the fifth stage of Rally Latvia 2024. As Ogier set a time 0.1 seconds faster than Takamoto Katsura to take the stage win. Kalle Rovanperä finished third fastest on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Ogier and 0.1 seconds slower than Katsuta. Adrien Fourmaux was fourth fastest on the stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Rovanperä. Mārtinš Sesks rounded out the top five on the stage, 0.2 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
SS6, Tukums 2
Kalle Rovanperä was back to form on SS6. As the rally leader finished with a time 3.5 seconds faster than Mārtinš Sesks to take the stage win. Sebastien Ogier was third fastest on the stage, 3.6 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 0.1 seconds slower than Sesks. Ott Tänak set the fourth fastest time on the stage, 0.1 seconds slower than Ogier. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.3 seconds slower than Tänak.
SS7, Strazde
Kalle Rovanperä also took the stage win on the seventh stage of Rally Latvia 2024. With a time 1.7 seconds faster than Mārtinš Sesks to take the stage win. Sebastien Ogier finished third fastest on the stage, 3 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 1.3 seconds slower than Sesks. Adrien Fourmaux set the fourth fastest time on the stage, one second slower than Ogier. Takamoto Katsuta rounded out the top five on the stage, 3.1 seconds slower than Fourmaux.
SS8, Tulsi
Kalle Rovanperä capped off the second day with his fifth stage win of the event. As Rovanperä set a time 3.5 seconds faster than Takamoto Katsuta to take the stage win. Grégoire Munster finished third fastest on the stage, 5.6 seconds slower than Rovanperä and 2.1 seconds slower than Katsuta. Mārtinš Sesks was fourth fastest on the stage, 1.2 seconds slower than Munster. Adrien Fourmaux rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing 0.4 seconds slower than Sesks.
This first day of Rally Latvia 2024 has come to an end. Kalle Rovanperä took an early lead on the day. Find out all you need to know below.
Shakedown
Ott Tänak set the fastest time on the shakedown stage. With a time 0.3 seconds faster than championship leader Thierry Neuville. Takamoto Katsuta finished third fastest, 0.4 seconds slower than Tänak and 0.1 seconds slower than Neuville. Mārtinš Sesks posted the fourth fastest time on the shakedown stage, 0.3 seconds slower than Katsuta. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the Rally Latvia 2024 shakedown stage, with a time 0.2 seconds slower than Sesks.
SS1, Bikernieki Track
Kalle Rovanperä picked up where he left off last time out in Poland. As the 2-time drivers champion finished the opening stage 2.4 seconds ahead of Thierry Neuville and Sebastien Ogier who tied for second. Mārtinš Sesks finished fourth on the first stage of his home event, 0.5 seconds slower than Neuville and Ogier. Elfyn Evans rounded out the top five on the stage, finishing one second slower than Sesks.
What To Expect From Rally Latvia 2024 Day Two
The second day of Rally Latvia 2024 will see drivers contest 120.92 km across 7 special stages. Unlike other events, 5 of the day’s 7 stages will be different. As only the 4.99 km Milzkalne stage and the 27.56 km Tukums stage will be run twice. They will serve as SS2/5 and SS3/6 respectively. The day features no midday service, only a tire fitting zone. Meaning drivers will have to attempt to limit the damage to their cars as much as possible. There will be a 47-minute service to end the day off. Thierry Neuville will be first on the road, followed by Elfyn Evans and Ott Tänak. The slippery road has already caught Neuville out once, so he’ll likely look to take it cautiously and attempt to get a better starting position on day three.
The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round eight Tet Rally Latvia. Here are some predictions for the Rally1 class.
Tänak Wins
Rally Latvia is set up to be an epic three-way battle between Kalle Rovanperä, Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tänak. All three drivers are blisteringly quick when it comes down to it. Personally, I have Tänak taking home the win. Why? Simply put Tänak is probably going to be a man on a mission this weekend. As his Rally Poland ended way early due to a deer. Then a roll in the ERC running of his home event Rally Estonia the week after. Tänak is already somebody who wants to win at every event. Add that to him falling out of the running for the championship and the previously mentioned incident and it’s a storm waiting to happen.
Sesks Finishes Top 5
This may be a bit far-fetched. However, out of all the rally1 drivers, Sesks has the most experience on these roads. As it’s his home event. Sure he still has a lack of time in the car, especially with the hybrid unit. However, after his showing in Poland, I’ve learned to expect the unexpected out of Sesks. It won’t be an easy feat for the Latvian to pull off, as he’ll have to fend off one or more of Kalle Rovanperä, Sebastien Ogier, Elfyn Evans, Ott Tänak, Thierry Neuville, Esapekka Lappi and Adrien Fourmuax.
Neuville Falls Out Of The Championship Lead
Thierry Neuville has led the championship since the start of the season. After a win at the opening round in Monte-Carlo. However, Neuville sits in a position where he could lose the championship lead this weekend. As Elfyn Evans sits just 15 points behind the Belgian. Sure that sounds like a lot. But all it takes is for Neuville to have an issue at any point in the weekend and those points will bleed away. Of course, you never hope to see a driver run into issues. However, it’s a part of rallying that can happen to anybody.
Evans Shows Up
Elfyn Evans hasn’t had the greatest first half of the season. As the Welshman is without a win to this point and arguably wouldn’t be the number one championship contender for Toyota if Ogier didn’t miss out on Rally Poland. Evans has to hope Rally Latvia goes way better than any other event this season. As he desperately needs the points if he wants to remain a threat for the championship heading into the back half of the season. He can’t rely on another lucky Rally Finland to kick-start his season.
The 2024 World Rally Championship season continues this weekend with round eight Tet Rally Latvia. Find out all you need to know below.
Championship Rundown
Thierry Neuville still holds the championship lead, something he has held since Monte Carlo. However, this weekend Neuville is under pressure more than ever as Elfyn Evans sits just 15 points behind. Ott Tänak sits 21 points behind Neuville and 6 behind Evans. Sebastien Ogier is fourth in the championship, 23 points behind Tänak. Fellow Frenchman Adrien Fourmuax rounds out the top five in the championship, sitting just a single point behind Ogier.
Team Rundowns
Toyota Gazoo Racing
Toyota will fleet a four-car lineup for Rally Latvia this weekend. With Elfyn Evans, Kalle Rovanperä and Sebastien Ogier being nominated to score manufacturers’ points. While Takamoto Katsuta is not. Rovanperä will be looking for his third win of the season. While Ogier will look to bounce back after missing Rally Poland due to an accident before the event. Elfyn Evans will look to kickstart his disappointing season in Latvia. Overall Toyota is setting itself up to give Hyundai a run for its money.
Hyundai Shell Mobis
Hyundai will run the standard three-car lineup. Featuring Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak alongside Esapekka Lappi. Neuville will be looking to hold onto the championship lead. While also making up for a rather disappointing showing in Poland last time out. While Tänak will be looking to just do any bit of the event at this point. As a deer ended his event early in Poland. Then in his home event of Rally Estonia in the ERC, he rolled his i20 completely destroying the car. Lappi will contest just his third event this season. The Finnish driver already has one win under his belt this season, that being way back in Sweden.
M-Sport Ford
M-Sport will run a three-car lineup for the second consecutive event. As Adrien Fourmaux and Grégoire Munster will once again be joined by Martins Sesks. Who this time around will be driving a full-flight Rally1 car. Sesks made the most of their debut last time out in Poland. Finishing top five on a handful of stages. Fourmaux will likely be looking to finish on the podium once again this weekend. As he finished third in Poland earlier this month. Munster will continue the usual of learning the event and the car. Not much to expect there.