Day 3: Hayden/Seb take season best as we finish championship runners-up
We have ended the 2018 WRC season with a strong second place in Rally Australia, as well as finishing runners-up in both drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships.
On a dramatic final morning down under, Hayden and Seb secured second place to take their best result of the season. “This feels like a proper podium,” exclaimed Hayden. “We’ve made good strategy calls all weekend and I’ve felt comfortable in the car. Thanks to the team and to the travelling Kiwi fans who have come out in their droves to support us.”
Our Team Principal Michel added: “Hayden and Seb have hardly put a foot wrong all weekend and this result is thoroughly deserved.”
Six of the best
Sunday’s itinerary included six stages over a total distance of 84km. A repeat loop of the 15.55km Coramba, 19.27km Sapphire and 7.16km Wedding Bells stages completed an impressively competitive and unpredictable 2018 season.
For championship contenders Thierry and Nicolas, it was a heartbreaking final day. Our Belgians retired at the start of Sunday’s second loop after clipping a tree causing terminal damage to their i20 Coupe WRC.
“We gave it everything and had to take some risks today to try and capture the title,” said Thierry. “Even it was only a small chance, we had nothing to lose. It has been a difficult and tricky weekend, and not the way we wanted the season to end but it’s part of the game.”
Rally reflections
At the end of Rally Australia, Andreas reflected on a difficult season. “It has been a troublesome year for me,” he admitted. “This weekend is a perfect example; we’ve been quick and competitive at times but our event has been overshadowed by pure bad luck. We have had great support from the team and we’re all pushing in the right direction.”
We are proud to have played our part in a truly incredible season: “This has been one of the most closely fought championships for years,” said Michel. “We have utmost respect for our rivals and our congratulations go to Sébastien for the drivers’ title and to Toyota for the manufacturers’. We will now look back on the highs and lows of our season as we prepare to come back fighting in 2019.”
“I would like to say thanks to the team and everyone at Hyundai Motorsport in Alzenau for giving us the car to fight for the title this year,” concluded Thierry. “It’s been a great season for WRC and we’ve attracted some new fans, so now we have a short break and we can look ahead to another season.”
Final Overall Classification Rally Australia
1J.M Latvala / M. Anttila(Toyota Yaris WRC)2:59:52.0
2H. Paddon / S. Marshall(Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)+32.5
3M. Østberg / T. Eriksen(Citroën C3 R5)+52.2
4E. Lappi / J. Ferm(Toyota Yaris WRC)+1:02.3
5S. Ogier / J. Ingrassia(Ford Fiesta WRC)+2:30.8
6E. Evans / D. Barritt(Ford Fiesta WRC)+3:05.1
8C. Breen / S. Martin(Citroën C3 R5)+8:59.0
2018 FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers’ Standings
After round 13
1S. Ogier219
2T. Neuville201
3O. Tanak181
4J.M Latvala128
5E. Lappi126
6A. Mikkelsen84
7E. Evans80
8H. Paddon73
9D. Sordo71
10M. Østberg70
2018 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers’ Standings
After round 13
1Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team368
2Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team341
3M-Sport Ford World Rally Team324
4Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team237
All results remain subject to official FIA confirmation.
