First success of the season for the Korean company which celebrates a one-two finish in the Rally d’Italia. The Belgian driver finished in front of Lappi, while third went to Rovanpera, on Toyota, winner of the power stage
– Milan
One of the most difficult races of the season ended in Sardinia: it was a Rally d’Italia which at times recalled the Safari Rally due to the complicated road conditions. Fords and mud made life difficult for the WRC drivers, with just four Rally 1s managing to complete all 18 stages on the programme. In the end, Thierry Neuville gives the first joy of the season to Hyundai, an excellent result also for the leader of the World Championship Rovanpera, third at the finish line and winner of the power stage.
deaf out
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A morning that for everyone was marked by prudence. Storing the tires ahead of the Power Stage was key for nearly every crew. The Spaniard Sordo was unlucky as he saw his race end with 2 races to go. A problem with his Hyundai’s exhausts deprived him of a by now certain fifth position. The “survivors” of the premier class are therefore, in order, Neuville and Lappi (Hyundai) and the Toyotas of Rovanpera and Evans.
wet power stage
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The final special begins under heavy rain which particularly affects the Rally-2, the first to start. Conditions are improving and the last starters find an advantage. Kalle Rovanpera is confirmed as the strongest in the Power Stages and beats Ott Tanak (Ford) by 4.7 seconds. 5 points for the Toyota driver and third place in the final standings. The Yaris of Katsuta, Evans and Ogier also score points, with the Frenchman disappointed at missing out on a great opportunity this weekend. Neuville and Lappi set the goal of reaching the finish line, giving up the fight for the points of the final special and bringing home the one-two for Hyundai.
wrc2, final twist
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Sensational epilogue of the Sardinia Rally in the support category. Adrien Fourmaux (Ford) destroys his Fiesta in the last stage of the race and shockingly loses the rally. Celebrate Mikkelsen (Skoda) who finds himself in his hands the triumph in Italy and the fifth place overall. Behind him are Suninen (Hyundai), at 2′, Kajetanowicz (Skoda) and championship leader Rossel (Citroen).
rally sardinia, the final standings
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This is the final classification of the Rally Italia Sardegna:
- NEUVILLE (Hyundai) 3:40:01.4
- LAPPI (Hyundai) +33.0
- ROVANPERA (Toyota) + 1:55.3
- EVANS (Toyota) + 5:20.5
- MIKKELSEN (Skoda, WRC 2) + 9:33.3
rally wrc, the world rankings
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Here is the world classification after the Rally of Sardinia:
- ROVANPERA (Toyota) 118
- NEUVILLE (Hyundai) 93
- TANAK (Ford) 85
- EVANS (Toyota) 83
- OGIER (Toyota) 70
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