It’s not easy to understand the modern WRC. The data is so distorted with drivers not starting with equal chances, cars not having the same strengths and everyone pursuing sometimes diametrically opposed objectives, sometimes, at the end of the rally, we have the impression of witnessing three races different. This is exactly what the scenario of this Polish Rally offered us.
We saw the talent of Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid), winning a 30th rally that he didn’t even have time to prepare. The double world champion took advantage of the accident of Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) from the 2nd special, to take the lead by carrying out his reconnaissance on the first passages to let the horses go on the 2nd loop. We also saw the pure speed of Ott Tänak, immediately deprived of a victory that he could clearly covet, betting everything on Super Sunday and his saving points. First on track, the Estonian flew through the high mass on Sunday, before the Power Stage to nevertheless pocket 11 points.
We noticed the confirmation of the talent of Adrien Formaux (Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid) joining the fight for the top 5 and taking his third podium of the season at the end of an intense fight punctuated by impressive times. Also worth noting, at Ford, the encouraging results of our compatriots Grégoire Munster and Louis Louka, continuing their apprenticeship at the highest level and signing top times. Too bad they were put out by a Martins Seks, invited by M-Sport and a real revelation at the wheel of a non-hybrid Ford Puma. At home, in three weeks in Latvia, this one will really be one to watch.
But above all we heard the leader of the world championship wondering what game he was playing when he opened the road on Friday, before having to overcome so many opponents, including many occasional crews with a clear advantage. “We did what we could and we did the job, sighed Thierry Neuville, a little dejected. It is impossible to fight for victory in these conditions…” Winner of his 26th Power Stage, the St-Vithois who retains the lead in the championship ultimately only concedes 3 points to Elfyn Evans. A lesser evil, that’s for sure!
The rankings and results of the Rally Poland.
