Метка: wrc

Mikkelsen extends lead as debutant Sesks stars

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Hyundai’s Andreas Mikkelsen heads into Friday afternoon with the Rally Poland lead from Martins Sesks, who stunned on his World Rally Championship Rally1 debut.

Mikkelsen impressed throughout the morning to win two of the three stages to leap into a 7.4s lead from Sesks, who is driving a non-hybrid powered Ford Puma Rally1 car.

Elfyn Evans limited the damage of starting high in the road order to lead Toyota’s charge in third [+11.9s] ahead of Sebastien Ogier’s replacement Kalle Rovanpera [+14.2s], with M-Sport’s Adrien Foumaux in fifth [+15.1s].

M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster [+15.9s], championship leader Thierry Neuville [+32.2s] and Takamoto Katsuta [+38.0s] rounded out the Rally1 field after Ott Tanak’s retirement.

The overnight leaderboard was turned on its head after the day’s opening stage two [Stanczyki, 29.40km] when leader and rally favourite Tanak came to a sudden halt.

The Hyundai driver had started Friday with a one second lead over team-mate Thierry Neuville after winning Thursday night’s super special.

However, Tanak was forced to pull off the road 18.3km into the test with damage to the front of his i20 N after hitting a deer. Tanak and co-driver Martin Jarveoja escaped unscathed following the crash.

This handed his team-mate Mikkelsen the rally lead, as the Norwegian claimed his first stage win since 2019 Wales Rally GB on his third outing of the season in the third i20 N. Mikkelsen was 0.3s faster than Sesks.

Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Martins Sesks, Renars Francis, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Photo by: M-Sport

Reigning world champion Rovanpera climbed from seventh to third overall with the third fastest time in the stage. The Toyota driver, who received a last-minute call up to replace Ogier following the Frenchman’s road traffic accident while gathering pacenotes, was frustrated by not being able to push due to his rushed preparation for an event that was not originally part of his limited schedule of events this year.

M-Sport’s Fourmaux moved to fourth, which he shared with Evans, 8.0s adrift of Mikkelsen.

Organisers were forced to cancel stage three [Wieliczki, 12.90km] for spectator safety reasons. The decision arrived after Neuville, Evans, Fourmaux and Katsuta had completed their passes through the test.

With the road cleaning effect not as bad, Neuville clocked the fastest time of the quartet, 0.5s faster than Evans, with Fourmaux 0.7s adrift and Katsuta 3.5s back after a lucky escape when he briefly ran off the road.

Notional times were awarded to those unable to pass through the stage. It meant Mikkelsen kept his 2.2s lead over Sesks, while Evans moved ahead of Rovnapera into third.

Road cleaning was much more of factor in the morning’s final test [Olecko, 13.20km], which was reflected in the times.

Mikkelsen, starting seventh on the road, made the most of the road conditions which were still slippery when he passed through. He won a stage which was new for all the crews by 3.1s from Munster, who delivered a committed run that included a wild moment over a jump. The subsequent landing briefly winded co-driver Louis Louka.

“We had a good stage; we’re trying to do the best we can,” said Mikkelsen. “The car is really nice to drive, still quite slippery on the surface, and you still have to take a bit of care.”

Evans was a second further back, but his effort was impressive given he was second in the road order. Road sweeper Neuville dropped 11.7s after suffering a handbrake issue, adding further woe to the disadvantage of opening the road.

Meanwhile the eye-catching start to Sesks’ Rally1 debut continued as the Latvian clocked the fourth best time to remain second overall.

Rovanpera was 1.1s slower than Sesks, but maintained fourth position while clearly affected by his rushed preparation.

“Not so easy,” commented Rovanpera. “It’s quite funny; last night I was watching an [on-board] video on the laptop and I fell asleep on the laptop. With this road position, we should be 10 seconds faster.”

Sami Pajari ended the morning leading the WRC2 class from local hero Kajetan Kajetanowicz by 4.1s, while title contenders Oliver Solberg and Gus Greensmith dropped to seventh and eighth in class respectively after struggles.

Crews will repeat the stages this afternoon, before ending the day with a blast around the Mikolajki Arena super special.



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Rally leader Tanak crashes out, Mikkelsen leads from debutant Sesks

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Tanak had been tipped among the favourites to win on Poland’s high-speed gravel roads, but his victory hopes came to a sudden halt on stage two [Stanczyki, 29.40km].

The Hyundai driver had started Friday with a one second lead over team-mate Thierry Neuville after winning Thursday night’s super special. 

However, Tanak was forced to pull off the road 18.3km into the test with damage to the front of his i20 N. The Estonian hit a deer which ripped the radiator out of the car. Tanak and co-driver Martin Jarveoja were unscathed following the crash.

«Unfortunately, we hit a dear,» said Tanak, who is aiming to rejoin the rally tomorrow.

«No nothing is cooked. Everything is ok apart from some parts on the car but everything is changeable.»

Tanak’s exit has handed the rally lead to the third Hyundai driven by Andreas Mikkelsen, who made the most of his lower road position to win the stage.

The Norwegian’s run wasn’t completely clean after clipping a hay bale but it didn’t stop him from scoring his first stage win since Wales Rally GB 2019.

«We tried to have a good pace, there was one corner where I hit a hay bale,” said Mikkelsen. «I tried to stay in the lines as this is the only thing we can do, we just have to attack the stage.» 

Andreas Mikkelsen, Torstein Eriksen, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Andreas Mikkelsen, Torstein Eriksen, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Mikkelsen was 0.3s faster than Rally1 debutant Martins Sesks, who delivered a stunning time driving a non-hybrid powered version of the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car.

“What! Ok. That’ it,» said a stunned Sesks when he was told his time that has moved him second overall, 2.2s adrift of Mikkelsen.

Reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera climbed from seventh to third overall [+7.9s] after posting the third fastest time in the stage. The Toyota driver, who received a last-minute call up to replace the injured Sebastien Ogier, was frustrated by not being able to push due to his rushed preparation for the event.

“The driving was not really good, it’s so difficult on this rally. I don’t remember the stages like I should. I can’t take any more risks because I don’t know where I’m going,” said Rovanpera.

M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux moved to fourth which he shared with Toyota’s Elfyn Evans, 8.0s adrift of Mikkelsen.    

Gregoire Munster {+12.8s], Takamoto Katsuta [19.1s] and championship leader Thierry Neuville [+21.2s] rounded out the Rally1 field.

In WRC2, Sami Pajari led the class by 6.1s from Nikolay Gryazin after overnight leader Oliver Solberg suffered a power issue with his Skoda Fabia.

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Tanak tops head-to-head super special to lead

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Hyundai’s Ott Tanak moved into an early lead at Rally Poland after edging his team-mate and World Rally Championship points leader Thierry Neuville on Thursday night’s opening stage.

Poland’s return to the WRC for the first time since 2017 began with a run through the side-by-side Mikolajki Arena spectator stage in front of a packed crowd.

Tanak faced M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux in his head-to-head where he beat the Frenchman by 1.9s. The time was good enough to win the stage by a margin of 1s over Neuville, who defeated title rival Toyota’s Elfyn Evans in their duel by 0.3s.

“I enjoy these roads, but they are not easy at all, everything needs to be spot on,” said Tanak, at the stage end as he looked ahead to Friday’s running. “You need to have full confidence in everything around you so we will find out tomorrow what we are feeling.”

Evans clocked the third fastest time, 0.3s quicker than his Toyota team-mate Takamoto Katsuta.

Andreas Mikkelsen, making his third start of the season in the third Hyundai i20 N, ended the stage fifth [+1.8s] after winning his heat against reigning world champion Kalle Rovanpera.

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Elfyn Evans, Scott Martin, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Fourmaux slotted into sixth [+1.9s] ahead of Rovanpera [+2.1s], following his last-minute call up to replace Toyota team-mate Sebastien Ogier who was forced to withdraw from the event following a road traffic crash while completing the event recce on Tuesday.

Rovanpera, who only completed his event recce earlier today, believes it isn’t possible to fight for victory after his rushed and limited event preparation.

“I don’t think we can win at least not in reasonable or safe way,” said Rovanpera. “It is super annoying as you come here just to have a good finish, but when you drive it is shit if you don’t try to win.

“I don’t try to win this time, there is no point, we are too late with everything and tonight will be super long [preparing for tomorrow’s stages], so it is not going to be easy.”

M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster cut an angry figure at stage end after his Ford Puma picked up damage to its windscreen from gravel flicked up during his heat against Katsuta.

“When they [organisers] said they would put water down [on the gravel] they should do it properly as it is way too dry,” he said. “My windscreen is not completely damaged but if we get any impact tomorrow it is going to be worse. It is stupid.”

Grégoire Munster, Louis Louka, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Grégoire Munster, Louis Louka, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Ford Puma Rally1

Photo by: M-Sport

Martins Sesks beat WRC2 runner Oliver Solberg to round out the Rally1 runners on his class debut driving a non-hybrid powered version of the M-Sport Ford Puma.

Solberg topped the WRC2 class despite losing his head-to head in which his Skoda’s windscreen also suffered damage from airborne gravel. Solberg was 1.6s faster than nearest WRC2 rival and Citroen driver Nikolay Gryazin, while Skoda’s Gus Greensmith was third, 0.1s behind Gryazin.

Six gravel stages split by a tyre fitting zone await the crews on Friday.

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The remarkable 22-year streak M-Sport is celebrating at WRC Rally Poland

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


When it comes to streaks in motorsport, M-Sport’s run of scoring manufacturer points in 300 consecutive World Rally Championship rounds, spanning 22 years, is difficult to beat.

It’s a feat that is unlikely to be surpassed and which is being celebrated by the Ford squad at Rally Poland this weekend after achieving the milestone in Sardinia earlier this month.

To put this achievement into context, social media didn’t exist, mobile phones couldn’t access the internet, and the current World Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera was just a one-year-old future superstar when this run of results began.

Monte Carlo, 2002 is where this unfathomable streak started when world champions Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae brought the factory M-Sport-run Fords home in third and fourth.

After double title winner Sainz and 1995 world champion McRae reached the finish in Monte Carlo 22 years ago, M-Sport has amassed manufacturer championship points at every rally entered, achieving key milestones such as the 100th event at Rally Turkey in 2008, the 200th coming at Rally Mexico in 2016, and then the 300th at Rally Sardinia this year.

That equates to a whopping 84,365 kilometres of stages completed with 29 drivers and 38 co-drivers contributing points over the journey. During this period, M-Sport has operated as the Ford factory team, but since 2013 it’s been a semi-factory outfit, competing against the heavily financed works efforts from Citroen, Volkswagen, Toyota and Hyundai.

M-Sport reached the 300 consecutive point-scoring rallies landmark on Rally Sardinia

M-Sport reached the 300 consecutive point-scoring rallies landmark on Rally Sardinia

Photo by: M-Sport

When asked to explain how his team has achieved such a feat, M-Sport founder Malcolm Wilson told Motorsport.com: «It started when we got the Ford contract and it [the WRC] was all about reliability. Obviously rallying has changed but, in the early days, if you had a good, reliable car you stood a chance of winning or getting a good result.

«We’ve always tried to do that. We have had a quality control inspection on everything since then and that side of the operation has only got bigger and better with regards to attention to detail, and obviously just a great team of people as well.

«At the end of the day, you can’t do anything without people, and I’ve been lucky that a lot of people that are still working for me have been involved since before this all started in 2002.

«I mean, to be honest, even when we got landmarks like 100, 150 and 200, we were thinking it has to end at some point. In fairness, it’s a lot easier now but in those early days, you actually had to be sometimes in the top six to get in the manufacturers’ points, so it’s easier now than it was then.

«It hasn’t been a full factory outfit since what, 2013 and it’s some years it’s been close if we would even continue. That probably makes it even a bit more remarkable.

«Let’s be honest, it will never happen again because which manufacturer is going to still be in WRC for 22 consecutive years?»

Title success on 2017 Wales Rally GB was a major highlight for Wilson

Title success on 2017 Wales Rally GB was a major highlight for Wilson

Photo by: Sutton Images

Reflecting on this run of 300 events, one rally stands out as the most cherished in Wilson’s eyes. The event in question is Wales Rally GB 2017 when M-Sport completed a memorable trifecta of rally win (through Elfyn Evans), the drivers’/co-drivers’ world titles with Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, and its third manufacturers’ crown.

«That 17-minute window at Wales Rally GB when we clean swept anything that can be won is the rally I will always cherish,» said Wilson.

«We did it, and to do it with Seb was great. I really wanted to get Seb in 2011, so to have Seb and just the way that him and Julien Ingrassia gelled with the team and the car that year, it was just one of the most amazing moments for me.»

While the team will celebrate this weekend, there is of course the matter of extending this streak to 301 events as Adrien Fourmaux and Gregoire Munster aim to complete Poland’s 19 stages, with special banding on their Ford Pumas offering a constant reminder of the achievement.

M-Sport's stickers celebrating its 300th consecutive point-scoring event

M-Sport’s stickers celebrating its 300th consecutive point-scoring event



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Hyundai able to save part of 2025 WRC car plan after FIA U-turn

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Hyundai can salvage a “fraction” of its plans for its cancelled 2025 World Rally Championship car but is not yet in a position to commit to a long-term WRC future.

The South Korean marque’s future in the championship was uncertain when the FIA announced a proposal in February that included plans to make changes to the Rally1 and Rally2 technical rules for next year.

The proposal was strongly opposed by WRC manufacturers, with Hyundai the most vocal, as the uncertainty forced the brand to cancel plans to effectively develop an all-new i20 N Rally1 car for 2025.

However, earlier this month at the World Motor Sport Council meeting, the FIA announced a U-turn on its proposal, and confirmed the technical rules will remain in place until the end of 2026. The move came after the manufacturers wrote a letter to the FIA asking for stability in regulations for 2025 and 2026 in April.

Hyundai team principal Cyril Abiteboul has confirmed that the news means some of the team’s plans for its proposed 2025 i20 N Rally1 can be saved. Motorsport.com understands that the team has been given approval from the FIA to bring forward homologation jokers to achieve this.

Abiteboul also confirmed that contract talks have started with WRC points leader Thierry Neuville, who is in the final year of his current agreement.

Neuville had stated that he was waiting on the approval of the homologation joker plan before holding renewal discussions.

Cyril Abiteboul, Team principal Hyundai World Rally Team, Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Team

Cyril Abiteboul, Team principal Hyundai World Rally Team, Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Team

Photo by: Austral / Hyundai Motorsport

“We have been fairly clear since day one of the conditions that were needed to be in rally next year and now that the conditions are there we can implement on the plan,” Abiteboul told Motorsport.com.

“The plan goes for the car, the team and the drivers. If you want to fight for the championship, you need the best car, the best drivers and the best team.

“There are a number of things and individual contracts and projects that are in the process of being implemented now we have clarity on the future.

“Some of it [the 2025 car plan] a small fraction of that [can be salvaged]. It was the line we had drawn in the sand that was going to afford us the opportunity that we needed in order to commit [for next year].”

As for Hyundai’s long-term future in the WRC, Abiteboul says the car maker needs to understand the future direction of the WRC beyond 2026 to make a business case. All-new regulations will be implemented from 2027, which are expected to be announced in December.

“For 2027, for sure is a different world — we need to understand where the sport is going from a technology point of view,” said Abiteboul.

“We need to understand where it is going from a promotion perspective. There has been a couple of announcements and I’m not saying that it isn’t going in the right direction, but it takes much more of a bigger step on the promotion side of things.

“We also need to understand where our own internal world is going. The car we are using, the i20 will be totally stopped [road car production] by then.

“We need to understand what will be the i20’s successor, and the compatibility of that successor with the direction that the sport will be taking. It is a lot of new worlds to align to see if there is a business case that can make sense for everyone.

“There will be some announcement on our plans for the future and I’m not in a position to do that right now as it revolves round a number of people at base and at headquarters, and we will do that in due course,” he added, when asked if the FIA’s announcement has cemented the team’s plans until the end of 2026.

“Obviously, I would not deny that having pushed the sport in this direction it would look strange that we don’t maintain our commitment in the sport. There will be a time for everything, but we are not in a position to fully implement our plan [for the future].”

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Neuville’s WRC contract talks waiting on Hyundai joker confirmation

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Thierry Neuville is hopeful contract renewal talks can begin soon once Hyundai’s plan to utilise its development jokers for its World Rally Championship car is confirmed.

The WRC points leader is in the final year of his current contract with the Korean marque, that marks his 11th season with the Alzenau operation.

Neuville has previously stated a desire to continue competing in WRC’s top tier although the Belgian admitted earlier this year that his future in the category was threatened by the uncertainty over the WRC’s technical regulations for next year that prompted doubts over Hyundai’s participation in the championship.  

Since those comments, the FIA announced a U-turn on the proposed technical reforms earlier this month following a request for stability in regulations led by the manufacturers.

Neuville says his future is still yet to be secured as the five-time championship runner-up awaits final confirmation over Hyundai’s development joker plan. The team is hoping to use two years’ worth of jokers improving its i20 N after it was forced to cancel development of a new car due to the uncertainty in technical regulations triggered by the FIA’s February reforms.

“I have no confirmation about anything yet, but I knew that the decision from the World Motor Sport Council and the application of the current jokers and future jokers were very important, and I know that has been all worked out in a good way,” Neuville told Autosport/Motorsport.com when asked about his future at Hyundai.

“I believe that it is going well but I have no confirmation, so let’s see. If I get confirmation it [contract talks] will start very soon.”

Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Thierry Neuville, Martijn Wydaeghe, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Photo by: McKlein / Motorsport Images

Neuville is however relieved that the World Motor Sport Council decided to uphold the request of the manufacturers to retain the current Rally1 and Rally2 technical regulations until the end of 2026.  

This move coupled with the WRC Promoter’s roadmap to improve the promotion of the championship has given Neuville reason to believe that the series can improve its popularity.

“For me it is a big relief for sure. I believe there are four manufacturers that are relived as well as they all requested [for the rules to stay the same],” he added.

“I think that is important. There was more of a need to secure the current manufacturers for the upcoming two seasons than changing the rules with no confirmation of any new manufacturer.

“I think the FIA understood that it was important to secure the current manufacturers and not only considering the rules, presenting a roadmap for the promotion and evolution of the promotion of the championship.

“I’m happy and there are still things to work on for sure. But with [Sebastien Ogier’s former co-driver] Julien Ingrassia involved with the promoter now to make a link between the drivers and the promoter, and to have his view on things, and Scott Martin [Elfyn Evans’ co-driver] representing the drivers in the WRC Commission, I think together we will be able to bring it [the WRC] to another level.”

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The big challenge facing Rovanpera after going from jet ski to WRC Rally Poland

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Kalle Rovanpera expects to face a “big challenge” to prepare for Rally Poland after receiving a last-minute call up to replace Sebastien Ogier while he was repairing his jet ski.

Toyota has drafted in Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen to pilot the team’s third GR Yaris in Poland, which returns to the World Rally Championship calendar for the first time since 2017 this week, after Ogier and Vincent Landais were involved in a road traffic accident while preparing pacenotes and withdrew from the event.

Double world champion Rovanpera, contesting a partial schedule of events this year, was preparing to go out on the lake on his jet ski when he was asked by the team to come to Poland after Toyota sought permission from the FIA to field the Finnish pair.

It has since been confirmed that all involved in the accident have undergone scans which showed no signs of serious injury. Landais was discharged from hospital yesterday, while Ogier remained under medical observation overnight before being released today.

“It was strange day yesterday, but first of all it was good to hear by midday that Seb and Vincent were fine which is the main thing,” said Rovanpera.

“Then I got the call from Kaj [Lindstrom, Toyota sporting director] while I was changing some spark plugs on my jet ski before going on the lake, then he called, and I knew what it was about.

“The team made the call for us to come here and of course myself and Jonne were not prepared at all, so it was not an easy decision to come here.

“But of course we want to help the team as much as we can with the team points; they are crucial this year, so hopefully we can do that.”

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

Rovanpera jumped on plane to Poland last night to be able take part in today’s recce, which will see him navigate through all of the rally’s stages in little over 24 hours before the event begins on Thursday night.

When asked about the enormity of the challenge to prepare for a rally in such a short space of time, he added: “It is quite a big challenge.

“We basically need to do a whole rally almost in one day and, of course, not watching any videos before will be quite a tough evening and tomorrow trying to learn what we can. It will not be easy with this schedule.

“It is really difficult to know what can be possible [this weekend], as we haven’t had a test in the car before this rally.

“We need to see at the shakedown if we are in a correct way.

“It depends how good we can do the recce and stuff.

“Normally in a rally like this I would like to fight for the win, but maybe this weekend it is not so easy to do.

“Of course we will try to do our best and bring some good points for the team.”

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Ogier released from hospital following WRC Poland accident

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Sebastien Ogier has been released from hospital having escaped serious injury after being involved in a road traffic accident that put him out of this weekend’s World Rally Championship event.

Eight-time world champion Ogier and co-driver Vincent Landais were driving a GR Yaris reconnaissance car that collided with another vehicle on Tuesday morning.

The driver and passenger of the other car involved, and two members of the public, were taken to hospital for medical checks.

It has since been confirmed that all those involved in the accident have undergone scans that showed no signs of serious injury.

Landais was discharged from hospital on Tuesday, but Ogier remained under medical observation overnight.

The Frenchman has now been released from hospital and was pictured on a flight heading back to his home wearing a neck brace.

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

Toyota has since called up its other part-time pairing, two-time world champions Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen to take over its third GR Yaris Rally1 entry this weekend.

FIA stewards granted the team permission to field the Finnish pair as a replacement and they will now undertake a recce of the stages over the next two days.

“As you may know, Vincent and I had a road traffic collision yesterday during recce at Rally Poland,” read a post on Ogier’s social media.

“I had to spend the night in hospital, but I’m already feeling much better. I’m glad that medical checks showed no serious injuries as well for Vincent and the occupants of the other car.

“We’re not able to take part in this rally, which is a shame, but the most important is that everyone involved is safe.

“Thank you everyone for all the messages I have received. I’m now on my way back home to take some rest and make sure to be back in full strength soon.

“Good luck to Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen and the whole Toyota WRC team, I’ll be cheering you on.”

The 19-stage Rally Poland kicks off on Thursday evening.

 



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Rovanpera to stand in for Ogier at WRC Rally Poland

Опубликовано от ASPPA IMAGES ANO


Kalle Rovanpera will join Toyota’s World Rally Championship line-up at Rally Poland to replace Sebastien Ogier following his withdrawal from the event.

Stewards have granted permission for Rovanpera and co-driver Jonne Halttunen to take over the third GR Yaris at this weekend’s gravel rally after Ogier and his co-driver were involved in a road traffic accident while preparing pacenotes.

Ogier and Landais were driving a GR Yaris reconnaissance car when they collided with another vehicle. The driver and passenger of the other car involved, and two members of the public, were also hospitalised.

It has since been confirmed that all those involved in the accident have undergone scans which showed no signs of serious injury.

Landais has been discharged from hospital, but Ogier will remain under medical observation overnight and will not be able to participate in the event.

Toyota has since requested permission for its two-time world champion Rovanpera to replace Ogier for the event which has been granted by FIA stewards. Time to complete reconnaissance of the stages will be provided.

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Kalle Rovanperä, Jonne Halttunen, Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

Photo by: Toyota Racing

“The Stewards authorise the change of Crew of Car #17 Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais with the Crew Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen and changing the competition number to Car #69,” read the stewards report.

“The Stewards authorise Crew of Car No. 69 Kalle Rovanpera/Jonne Halttunen two passages of Reconnaissance as follows:
• On Wednesday 26 June 2024
• 8:00 to 18:00: SS 10/14, SS11/15, SS2/5, SS3/6, SS4/7 and SS9/13
• 18:00 to 19:15: SS 17/19 19:15 to 20:00: Shakedown
• On Thursday 27 June 2024: 13:30 to 15:30: SS 16/18 and SS1/8/12

A statement from Toyota added: “We are pleased to confirm that Kalle Rovanpera and Jonne Halttunen will step in for their team-mates Seb and Vincent and participate in Rally Poland: rising to the challenge and showing the great spirit in our team.”

Poland will be Rovanpera’s fourth event of his part-time campaign following outings in Sweden, Kenya and Portugal. The 23-year-old has already tasted victory this season after winning Safari Rally Kenya in March.

Rovanpera has since posted on Instagram: “Duty calls. Rally Poland here we come.”

Earlier this month, Rovanpera made his circuit racing debut competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux at Zandvoort where he finished fourth and fifth in the pair of races.

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