Ott Tanak surprised himself by contesting for victory in the Rally Chile after a challenging start on Friday. Originally aiming for a top six finish, he demonstrated notable improvement, leading briefly in the stages. Thierry Neuville, meanwhile, faced difficulties due to incorrect car setup, placing him sixth overall by day’s end.
Ott Tanak, the 2019 World Rally Champion, expressed surprise at his competitive position in the Rally Chile, especially after struggling during the initial stages on Friday. Initially, Tanak believed achieving a top six finish was the best he could aspire to, given his lack of comfort with his Hyundai i20 N on the challenging gravel roads. Following Friday’s stages, Tanak managed to secure a lead over Toyota’s Elfyn Evans by a mere 0.4 seconds; however, due to an adjustment by officials regarding stage one times, he entered Saturday’s stages trailing Evans by three seconds. Tanak noted the various set-up modifications made throughout the day, which ultimately bolstered his confidence and performance. “I definitely am [surprised to be in this position] – after the first stage I said to the engineers that a top six or top eight is the maximum, it was not driving at all,” Tanak remarked, highlighting the initial difficulties faced by himself, Thierry Neuville, and Esapekka Lappi. As he looked ahead to Saturday’s sessions, Tanak acknowledged that the significantly different road surfaces would present new challenges, particularly concerning tyre management. He drew on his previous success under similar circumstances in the prior year, indicating that the road conditions were likely to yield better grip. Neuville, who holds the championship lead, provided insight into his own struggles, attributing them to an erroneous car set-up that left him in sixth place, 30.3 seconds behind Tanak. “I think we were just on the wrong set-up as I cannot explain how I could’ve struggled that much out there,” Neuville stated. He emphasized the need for adjustments to facilitate improved performance amid the ongoing competition.
The Rally Chile is a significant event in the World Rally Championship (WRC), featuring various teams and drivers competing on challenging gravel roads. Ott Tanak’s and Thierry Neuville’s performances highlight the importance of vehicle set-up in adapting to diverse conditions to maximize competitiveness. The experiences shared underscore the complexities drivers face in managing their cars throughout different stages of the rally, particularly regarding grip and tyre durability.
In summary, Ott Tanak’s surprising performance at the Rally Chile reveals the dynamic nature of rally driving, where initial struggles can give way to unexpected competitiveness through strategic adjustments. Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville’s difficulties emphasize the critical role of car set-up and strategy in achieving success within the challenging framework of rally events. As the rally progresses, tyre management and adaptability remain pivotal for all competitors.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
