The WRC Rally 2022 kicked off with a bang as last year’s championship runner-up, Elfyn Evans, dominated the pair of night stages held in dry conditions. Evans wasted no time in asserting his dominance, opening up a commanding 15.1s lead over Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville. The Welshman’s performance was flawless, leaving his rivals trailing in his wake.
Challenges for Hyundai
Unfortunately, it was a challenging evening for Hyundai as all three of its entries encountered issues. Ott Tanak, one of their top drivers, battled a throttle problem throughout the loop, eventually finishing in fourth place, 22.8s behind Evans. The nine-time Monte Carlo winner, Sebastien Ogier, showcased his skill and experience, securing a solid third place.
Impressive Return for Fourmaux
Adrien Fourmaux made a stunning comeback on his full-time Rally1 return with M-Sport, earning himself a commendable fifth place, 39.0s adrift of the leader. The young driver showed great promise and skill, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. Meanwhile, Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta finished in sixth place, followed by M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster in seventh. Hyundai’s new recruit, Andreas Mikkelsen, completed the Rally1 runners in eighth place.
Evans Shines in Opening Stage
Evans set the pace right from the start, lighting up the timing screens in the opening stage of the season. The Welshman’s benchmark time on the 21.01km Thoard-St Geniez was unmatched, securing him a convincing win in the test. However, even with his impressive performance, Evans was uncertain if he had fully capitalized on the grip offered by the dry asphalt.
Tanak Chases Evans
Hyundai’s new signing, Ott Tanak, was determined to challenge Evans for the top spot. Although he came closest to toppling the leader, finishing just 5.2s adrift, Tanak’s performance was hindered by a throttle issue. Despite the setback, Tanak remained optimistic, praising the stage but acknowledging the need for adjustments and improvements.
Neuville Holds His Ground
Thierry Neuville, another of Hyundai’s star drivers, put in a solid effort, securing the third fastest time in the opening stage. Neuville’s performance was commendable considering the increasingly challenging road conditions caused by gravel being dragged onto the surface from cuts. It was a testament to his skills and experience that he finished just 1.5s behind Ogier.
M-Sport’s Adrien Fourmaux delivered an impressive performance, posting the fifth quickest time in the opening stage. The young driver’s determination and skill shone through as he finished 16.2s adrift, ahead of Toyota’s Katsuta and the second M-Sport Ford Puma driven by Munster. It was a promising start for Fourmaux, showcasing his potential for the season.
Mikkelsen Returns to WRC
Reigning WRC2 champion, Andreas Mikkelsen, returned to the top-flight WRC after a two-year absence. While experiencing some difficulties with the engine mapping on his Hyundai i20 N, Mikkelsen still managed to hold his own, finishing 32.9s behind Evans. It was a respectable performance, considering the challenges he faced and the need to readjust to the demanding WRC environment.
Evans Extends His Lead
As the rally continued, Evans maintained his impressive start by winning the second stage (Bayons-Breziers 25.19km). The test, held in front of a massive crowd, presented the drivers with damp patches, adding an extra layer of challenge to the already intense competition. Evans’s win further extended his lead, with Neuville trailing behind by 6.8s.
Unfortunately for Ott Tanak, his throttle issue worsened, causing him to lose even more time. Tanak displayed resilience as he continued to fight through the difficulties he faced, acknowledging the incredible performance of his car in handling the challenging conditions.
The WRC2 category also provided its fair share of excitement, with Skoda’s Pepe Lopez leading the way. Meanwhile, Sami Pajari showcased the capabilities of the new Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, finishing fourth in class behind Citroen duo Nikolay Gryazin and Yohan Rossel. The competition within WRC2 promised to be intense throughout the rally.
The Rally Continues
The WRC Rally 2022 is far from over, with six more stages scheduled for Friday. The drivers will face a total distance of 105.72km, presenting them with new challenges and opportunities to showcase their skills.
The thrilling start of the WRC Rally 2022 saw Elfyn Evans dominate the night stages, leaving his competitors in his dust. Despite challenges faced by Hyundai and the impressive performances of drivers like Adrien Fourmaux and Andreas Mikkelsen, Evans has firmly established himself as the one to beat. With several more stages to go, the rally promises to be an exhilarating battle among the world’s finest rally drivers.
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