World Rally Championship: Elfyn Evans wins in Japan as Thierry Neuville takes WRC title
Image source, Getty PhotosSuccess in Japan modified into the first of the year for Elfyn Evans and co-driver Scott Martin
Elfyn Evans received the season-ending Rally Japan as Thierry Neuville wrapped up his first World Rally Championship (WRC) title.
Belgian Neuville’s overall victory modified into secured when Hyundai team-mate Ott Tanak crashed out on the relaxation morning while leading the rally.
The Estonian’s wretchedness also handed Evans, 35, the Rally Japan victory and moved the Welsh driver above Tanak within the final standings, taking 2d snarl for the fourth time in 5 years.
Evans’ rating also clinched the manufacturers’ title for Toyota Gazoo Racing, comfort for missing out on the drivers’ prize for the first time in six years.
“It wasn’t taking a gape so lawful at one level however more than pleased with the final result, more than pleased for the team,” stated Evans.
“We’re sorry we could maybe well no longer inform one more championship however we are going to strive over again subsequent year.
“Itsy-bitsy bit of rigidity for certain, however that’s the title of the game.”
Image source, Getty Photos
First acting in WRC in 2009 Thierry Neuville lead the 2024 championship from start to raise out
Neuville, 36, began the relaxation rally of the 13-bustle sequence with a 25-level lead over Tanak, so he desired to rating lawful six points from the weekend to hiss the drivers’ title.
His hopes suffered a setback on Friday afternoon when a turbo map back saw him and co-driver Martijn Wydaeghe fall to 15th.
They recovered to climb the leaderboard before Tanak’s stage 17 error handed his Hyundai team-mate the title for the first time after 15 years of trying.
Five cases a runner-up, at 5,533 days Neuville’s await the enviornment crown is the longest in WRC history.
“I am feeling sizable to be lawful. We worked for that for goodbye, so mammoth happy. We continuously give it all however this year we own been rewarded for it,” stated Neuville.
“I don’t own the phrases, however I lawful must thank all americans who modified into portion of it, who supported, and us and the team as properly.”
FIA World Rally Championship final drivers’ standings
1. Thierry Neuville (Belgium), Hyundai, 242 points
2. Elfyn Evans (Good Britain), Toyota, 210
3. Ott Tanak (Estonia), Hyundai, 200
4. Sebastien Ogier (France), Toyota, 191
5. Adrien Fourmaux (France), Ford, 162
6. Kalle Rovanpera (Finland), Toyota, 116
FIA World Rally Championship final manufacturers’ standings
1. Toyota Gazoo Racing, 561
2. Hyundai Shell Mobis, 558
3. M-Sport Ford, 295
