Thierry/Martijn secure stunning win with Dani/Cándido in third
We have taken our third victory of the 2021 WRC season with a sensational 1-3 result in Rally de España. Thierry and Martijn enjoyed a near perfect weekend in the all-tarmac rally to confirm their second win of the season, with Dani and Cándido in third – their first podium as a crew.
Showing the level of their performance, our Belgian crew scored ten stage wins to take winning honours by 24.1 seconds. The rally wasn’t without its challenges, however, with some early set-up issues on Friday, as well as late drama before Sunday’s Power Stage.
“We have fought incredibly hard across all stages, taking a lot of fastest times, and gradually extending our advantage,” said Thierry. “Unfortunately, we had a lot of stress before the Power Stage with an engine starter motor issue. That was the only disappointing aspect of an otherwise positive rally.”
Dani’s storming Sunday
Dani and Cándido were involved in a tantalising tussle for third place with Sébastien Ogier. Forced to settle for fourth place during Saturday’s seven stages, our Spaniards came out fighting on the final day. They took a clean sweep of stage wins, including maximum Power Stage Points, to claim the final step on the podium.
“Honestly you can’t imagine how happy I am, not only for myself but also for Cándido,” said Dani. “It’s our first podium together. We couldn’t have done any more, we have pushed in every stage. Thanks to the team for giving me such a competitive car that has allowed us to fight.”
Sadly, our Estonian crew Ott and Martin crashed out of the event on Friday’s fourth stage, Vilaplana, and could not re-start. “It has been a day of unpleasant surprises,” said Ott. “Martin and I are both fine; we weren’t really over the limit, so it came a bit out of the blue.”
Spanish statistics
Incredibly, the 1-3 result marks a repeat of our result in the last Rally de España that took place on mixed surface roads back in 2019. We’ve taken 14 stage wins in total this time around, underscoring the strength of our performance.
The two individual podiums from Spain take our season total to 16 – our highest ever in a single season. We also broke through the 100-stage win barrier on Saturday, representing another statistical milestone. Picking up a bumper haul of points means that the manufacturers’ championship title will roll onto the season finale, Rally Monza.
“It has been a tough rally, and a Power Stage that only thriller writers could have scripted,” said our Team Principal Andrea. “Thierry and Martijn have been amazing from start to finish, while Dani and Cándido also accomplished something special. We have managed to extend the championship battle until the season finale at Monza, which at least gives the fans something to see – we fight until the end.”
The 12th and final round of the 2021 WRC season will take place at Rally Monza from November 19-21.
Final Overall Classification – Rally de España
1 T. Neuville / M. Wydaeghe Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 2:34:11.8
2 E. Evans / S. Martin Toyota Yaris WRC +24.1
3 D. Sordo / C. Carrera Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC +35.3
4 S. Ogier / J. Ingrassia Toyota Yaris WRC +42.1
5 K. Rovanperä / J. Halttunen Toyota Yaris WRC +1:31.8
6 G. Greensmith / C. Patterson Ford Fiesta WRC +4:17.3
7 O. Solberg / C. DrewHyundai i20 Coupe WRC +4:26.7
8 N. Solans / M. Martí Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC +4:34.9
9 E. Camilli / M. Vilmot Citroën C2 Rally2 +9:49.4
10 N. Gryazin / K. Aleksandrov Škoda Fabia Evo +10:05.9
2021 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers’ Standings
After round 11
1 Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team 474
2 Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team 427
3 M-Sport Ford World Rally Team 187
4 Hyundai 2C Competition 52
2021 FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers’ Standings
After round 11
1 S. Ogier 204
2 E. Evans 187
3 T. Neuville 159
4 K. Rovanperä 140
5 O. Tänak 128
6 C. Breen 76
7 T. Katsuta 68
8 D. Sordo 63
9 G. Greensmith 60
10 A. Fourmaux 42
All results remain subject to official FIA confirmation.
