Thrilling Battle at Rally Sardinia: Tänak Clinches Victory by Mere 0.2 Seconds
The recent Rally Sardinia in the 2023 World Rally Championship (WRC) witnessed a truly captivating finish, as Ott Tänak of the Hyundai World Rally Team edged out Toyota’s Sébastien Ogier by a mere 0.2 seconds to claim victory. This nail-biting result marks the joint-closest finish for a win in WRC history.
Tänak, who had been trailing Ogier by 17.1 seconds going into the final day, showcased an impressive comeback to overhaul the deficit and eventually clinch the top spot. This victory marks Tänak’s first win since his return to the Hyundai squad, propelling him to second in the overall championship standings, level with Toyota’s Elfyn Evans.
“This victory marks Tänak’s first win since his return to the Hyundai squad, propelling him to second in the overall championship standings, level with Toyota’s Elfyn Evans.”
Misfortune struck championship leader Thierry Neuville, who crashed out from third position on stage eight. However, the Belgian driver managed to recover and secure a maximum score on the closing Sunday under the WRC’s new points system, reducing his championship lead from 24 to 18 points.
Tight Manufacturers’ Championship Battle
The manufacturers’ championship battle remains tight, with Hyundai currently leading the defending champion Toyota by just 13 points. M-Sport Ford, the third-placed team, trails Hyundai by a significant margin of 138 points, with Adrien Fourmaux as their highest-placed driver in fifth.
Upcoming Rally Poland
As the WRC circus now heads to Rally Poland, set to take place from June 27-30, all eyes will be on Neuville’s potential bounce-back performance. The Belgian driver claimed victory at the event in 2017, the last time Rally Poland was part of the WRC calendar before it was removed due to issues with spectator safety.
Fans in the UK can tune in to the action on TNT Sports, which has the broadcasting rights for the entire 2023 WRC season. Additionally, Rally.tv will also provide comprehensive coverage of the event, offering both annual and monthly subscription options.
With the manufacturers’ title race heating up and the potential for Neuville to reclaim the championship lead, Rally Poland promises to be an exciting addition to the 2023 WRC calendar. Motorsport enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling weekend of top-level rallying action.
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