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World Rally Championship

Podium in Portugal

Thierry and Nicolas fight to second place


Thierry and Nicolas fight to second place

A dramatic final day at Rally de Portugal saw us claim our 50th WRC podium result. Thierry and Nicolas fought hard right to the end to secure second place, picking up four extra points in the Power Stage.

As the 2019 season reaches its halfway mark, with seven events now completed, we hold onto the lead in the manufacturers’ championship with a 20-point advantage. Thierry, meanwhile, retains third place in the closely contested drivers’ table, ten points behind leader Sébastien Ogier.

Fans flocked to the famous Fafe jump on the final morning to see the WRC cars fly through to the finish in spectacular fashion. It was a fitting end to a gruelling weekend.

Friday frustrations

Our rally was hampered from the opening day when Dani/Carlos and Sébastien/Daniel were affected by technical issues on the same stage (SS3 – Arganil). Dropping down the order, we then had to regroup as a team to salvage as many points as possible from the weekend.

The combined team efforts paid off with our Team Director Andrea quick to praise the work of all three crews, but in particular our Belgians. “Thierry and Nicolas are having a great season with the tools we are giving them,” he said. “They continue to score results that flatter our performance level. I am upset that our issues on Friday prevented our two other crews from competing for the podium; another missed opportunity.”

For Thierry, his fifth podium of the season was a welcome result. “After the big crash we had in Chile, it was important to come back fighting,” he said. “It’s not been an entirely smooth weekend but we have shown some strong pace including several stage wins. The championship is nicely poised as we reach the halfway point.”

Rescue mission

Dani and Carlos led the rally briefly on Friday morning. They scored two stage wins and ended a difficult event with a Power Stage point.

“We tried to put the disappointment and frustration from Friday behind us, and to enjoy these great Portuguese stages,” said Dani. “We have put in a full team effort this weekend so I think we all share in the podium result, even if it would have been nicer to be standing on the podium ourselves.”

Sébastien and Daniel, too, were unable to reap the rewards of a strong performance. “We were able to set some competitive times, which shows what might have been possible,” said Sébastien. “I am happy for the team to get a podium finish after what has been a tough event.”

The championship moves onto Rally Italia Sardegna, which takes place June 13-16 with Thierry/Nicolas, Andreas/Anders and Dani/Carlos driving our trio of i20 Coupe WRC cars.

Final Overall Classification – Rally de Portugal

1 O. Tänak / M. Järveoja (Toyota Yaris WRC) 3:20:22.8
2 T. Neuville / N. Gilsoul (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) +15.9
3 S. Ogier / J. Ingrassia (Citroën C3 WRC) +57.1
4 T. Suninen / M. Salminen (Ford Fiesta WRC) +2:41.5
5 E. Evans / S. Martin (Ford Fiesta WRC) +7:08.3
6 K. Rovanperä / J. Halttunen (Škoda Fabia R5) +10:34.2
7 J.M Latvala / M. Anttila (Toyota Yaris WRC) +11:28.2
8 J. Kopecky / P. Dresler (Škoda Fabia R5) +11:41.9
9 P. Loubet / V. Landais (Škoda Fabia R5) +12:46.3
10 E. Bergkvist / P. Barth (Ford Fiesta R5) +14:28.4

2019 FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers’ Standings
After round 7

1 S. Ogier 142
2 O. Tanak 140
3 T. Neuville 132
4 E. Evans 65
5 K. Meeke 56
6 T. Suninen 44
7 S.Loeb 39
8 J.M Latvala 38
9 A. Mikkelsen 36
10 E. Lappi 34
11 D. Sordo 27

2019 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers’ Standings
After round 7

1 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 202
2 Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team 182
3 Citroën Total World Rally Team 158
4 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team122

All results remain subject to official FIA confirmation.

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