A dream scenario, which Toyota would have signed his eyes closed before the start of the weekend. And yet it is very real on the eve of the arrival. Thus, at home this weekend, in Finland, the TGR-WRT is well started to make a historic five-time. Admittedly, it is not regular, since the Japanese team took advantage of the punctures of the unfortunate Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux, in the same special, the ES16, which were solidly installed on the podium.
Incidents that took advantage of Takamoto Katsuta and Sébastien Ogier, now second and third temporary behind a Kalle Rovanperä in attack mode since Friday morning and quietly installed in his leader chair. The Finn, also at home this weekend, will register for the first time, except Cataclysm, his name in the prize list of his national rally.
In the fourth and fifth ranks, we find Elfyn Evans, well left to regain the head of the championship at the expense of Ott Tänak, and Sami Pajari, who still signed three scratchs this Saturday, which is to be emphasized. This incredible result for the Japanese team will mark a real turning point in this 2025 campaign. Already, in the manufacturers’ classification, Hyundai, at the end of Finland, will accuse an almost irremediable delay.
Then, in the pilot championship, only the Estonian can still hope to compete with Elfyn Evans and Kalle Rovanperä, even Sébastien Ogier if he decides to review his program for the end of the season.
A Rally of Finland to put in oblivion for Tänak and Hyundai
Let’s go back to Ott Tänak. The 2019 world champion, who had abandoned in the last two editions, arrived in the land of the 1000 lakes in the shoes of the leader and therefore opener for Friday. A role that did not succeed since beyond the scanning, the wet and changing conditions were right for its hopes of a good result. Without forgetting its road release in ES7, which came to top it off.
This Saturday, only Grégoire Munster opened the road in front of him. Logically, even if he was at the attack all day, the Estonian crossed the eight specials in the shadow of the best. To limit the breakage this weekend, he will have no choice but to mark the maximum point during the Super Sunday. But he will once again open the road, on (very) long special, which is not won …
In addition, sixth and seventh provisional, on the eve of arrival in Finland, Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux will undoubtedly have the same objective as their teammate. In view of their rhythm this Saturday, before their puncture, there is no doubt that the two men will put heart there at the work. But, for the South Korean team, unfortunately, we can already say that this is a (new) weekend to forget, both individual and collectively. If not a real blow.
In WRC2, on the eve of arrival, nothing is done for victory! The Finn Roope Korhonen only has 1 ″ 8 ahead of his compatriot Jari-Matti Latvala. As a reminder, the boss of the TGR-WRT is a freezing, at home, on his Toyota Gr Yaris Rally2! The third, Estonian Robert Virves, is relegated to almost 23 seconds. On the French side, Yohan Rossel, who is not registered to score points this weekend, points to a provisional 8th row, at the leader.
WRC – Finland rally
ES18 – Special classification
General classification
General classification WRC2
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