Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe are the 2024 WRC Champions!
The opening stage of the final day of WRC Forum8 Rally Japan saw Ott Tanak crash out of the lead 19.1km into the stage, one km from the flying finish.
Tanak approached the corner a full speed but encountered debris on the apex and understeered off the road; a road junction flipped the car into the air and the car landed well off the road. The crew is unharmed.
The impact on the Manufacturers’ Championship is huge. Hyundai and Toyota Gazoo Racing are tied on points and the all-important title will be decided on the Wolf Power Stage, the final stage of the year!
After SS19, Elfyn Evans leads by 1.30 with Sebastian Ogier in second and Adrien Fourmaux in third.
Sami Pajari remains second in WRC2 and on track to clinch the title.
Heikki Kovaleinen, 4th in WRC 2, crashed in identical circumstances, landing on the stricken Hyundai’s bonnet.
