Hyundai Motorsport concluded a demanding Rally Chile on Sunday, with drivers Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja securing a commendable third place after an intense competition spanning 16 unpredictable stages. This performance ensures that the team remains at the forefront of the manufacturers’ standings in the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC), underscoring their resilience amid challenging conditions.
A Day of Fog and Strategy
The final day of Rally Chile was anything but easy. Following the foggy and damp conditions that persisted from late Saturday, the drivers faced a complex landscape where tire management became crucial. The absence of service or tire fitting zones between the special stages of Laraquete (SS13/15, 18.62 km) and Bio Bio (SS14/16, 8.78 km) meant that teams had to navigate the treacherous terrain with careful planning.
Tänak’s third-place finish marked his fifth podium of the 2024 season and his 21st with Hyundai Motorsport. The Estonian driver initially contended fiercely with Elfyn Evans for the rally lead on Friday. However, a minor error on Saturday saw him slip to third place, prompting him to focus on securing points rather than chasing down rivals. His strategic approach paid off, as he notched two top-three stage times during both runs of Bio Bio, ultimately earning 20 points from the event and extending his lead over Sébastien Ogier, who sits in third place.
Thierry Neuville also had his eyes on the championship, finishing fourth on Sunday with co-driver Martin Wydaeghe. Neuville’s performance included a top-three finish on SS15 Laraquete 2 and a solid showing in the Power Stage. With 15 points from this weekend, Neuville retains the top spot in the drivers’ championship, leading his teammate Tänak by 29 points.
Mixed Fortunes and Farewells
While Tänak and Neuville celebrated solid performances, Esapekka Lappi faced a more challenging weekend. Despite beginning the day with the fourth fastest time on SS13, Lappi’s run came to an abrupt end when damage from a gravel road forced him to retire his car before the Power Stage. This rally marked a bittersweet conclusion for Lappi, as it was also the final event for co-driver Janne Ferm, who announced his retirement from topflight rallying. Hyundai Motorsport extended heartfelt thanks to Ferm for his significant contributions to the team, including a notable victory at Rally Sweden and multiple podium finishes in 2023.
Looking Ahead
Despite the difficulties faced at Rally Chile, Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team continues to lead the manufacturers’ championship, although the gap has narrowed to just 17 points. With the WRC now transitioning to tarmac for the final two rounds of the season, the team aims to replicate the strong results achieved earlier in the year at Rallye Monte-Carlo and Croatia Rally.
Tänak expressed mixed feelings about the weekend, acknowledging that while they scored well, the overall pace of the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 Hybrid was not competitive enough against their rivals. He remarked, “We gave Rally Chile our maximum and scored everything we could. Now we go to two tarmac rallies, and in normal circumstances, our road position should be good for us.”
Neuville echoed this sentiment, indicating that despite the weather challenges, improvements in car setup provided a boost in confidence, allowing them to focus on consolidating their championship lead.
Lappi’s reflective words conveyed a sense of camaraderie and gratitude toward his long-time co-driver Ferm, highlighting the emotional weight of their final event together: “Finally, I need to thank Janne for 15 seasons together… now this journey comes to an end.”
Cyril Abiteboul, Hyundai Motorsport President and team principal, assessed the rally as a tough one for the team but emphasized the importance of strategic positioning within the championship. He congratulated Ferm on a remarkable rallying career, stating, “He is a character like no other and will be dearly missed by everyone in the team.”
As Hyundai Motorsport transitions from the rugged terrain of Rally Chile to the smoother roads ahead, their commitment to excellence remains steadfast. With two tarmac rallies looming, the team is poised to leverage their championship position and continue their pursuit of success in the WRC. The blend of strategy, teamwork, and resilience will be crucial as they navigate the final stages of the 2024 season.
