Ogier Capitalises On Rivals' Misfortune For Milestone Croatia Rally Win
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published April 21, 2024 | 07:00 PM
Zagreb, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2024) Sebastien Ogier claimed the Rally of Croatia honours in Zagreb on Sunday after capitalising on mistakes by his two closest rivals for his 100th career podium.
The eight-time former world champion went into the final day lagging just under a dozen seconds behind Thierry Neuville and Elfyn Evans.
But Toyota's French driver was gifted the lead with two stages to go after both Hyundai's Neuville and his Toyota teammate Evans went off the road in stage 18.
Neuville ran wide on a left corner, hitting a tree and causing extensive damage to his car after losing over 20sec.
"There were a lot of corners, and when I got the pace note, it was far too late. It's a shame because everything was going so well" lamented Belgium's Neuville who posted the quickest time in nine of the rally's stages and retains the championship lead by six points from Evans.
"It is what it is. Great few days but unfortunately today didn't go well.
"We had wanted to push hard in the (closing) power stage but without the rear wing it's undriveable," he added.
Evans then spun his car on a right-handed turn, the Welshman losing around 20sec as he tried to get back underway.
Ogier tied up his first win of the 2024 season -- his 59th in all -- in which he is only competing part-time by 9.7sec from Evans, with Neuville a further 36sec away in third.
Ogier said 100 was "a nice number so happy with that for sure".
"We never gave up and kept the pressure on for the whole weekend.
"I've never had so many moments in one rally. It's good to get the win for the team.
"Who would have thought (100 podium finishes) 15 years ago? Nice to see that we still have some speed."
Evans, who won in Croatia last year, reflected: "It's a feeling of disappointment with the spin and the tyre choice.
"It's not ideal but you have to be in it to try. It's been a good weekend but disappointed with today."
The WRC season continues with its fifth round in Portugal starting on May 9.
Rally of Croatia results
1. Sebastien Ogier/Vincent Landais 2hr 40min 23.6sec, 2. Elfyn Evans/Scott Martin at 9.7sec, 3. Thierry Neuville/Martijn Wydaeghe 45.8, 4. Ott Tanak/Martin Jarveoja 58.6, 5. Takamoto Katsuta/Aaron Johnston 1:55.5
World championship standings (after fourth leg of 13)
Drivers
1. Thierry Neuville (BEL) 86 pts, 2. Elfyn Evans (GBR) 80, 3. Adrien Fourmaux (FRA) 59, 4. Ott Tänak (EST) 53, 5. Sebastien Ogier (FRA) 45, 6. Takamoto Katsuta (JPN) 45, 7. Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) 31, 8. Esapekka Lappi (FIN) 23
Teams
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan marks World Press Freedom Day
High-level Saudi business delegation due on May 5
Stocks heat up as US labour market cools
President approves Tax Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024
Implementation of merit, justice to oppressed segments top priorities: CPO
Overseas Kashmir community delegation calls on AJK President, discusses latest s ..
Govt believes in freedom of press: Amir Muqam
Labour urges UK election after Tory losses
Health authorities asked for action against alleged illegal tenders at Services ..
Spain scraps national bullfighting prize sparking debate
Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan visits Rawalpindi ..
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
More Stories From World
-
Dams strain as water, death toll, rise in south Brazil
27 minutes ago -
Rafah assault 'could lead to a bloodbath': WHO chief
27 minutes ago -
USA include former Kiwi all-rounder in T20 World Cup squad
47 minutes ago -
Spanish beauty group Puig makes market debut
47 minutes ago -
Israel trade freeze aimed at forcing Gaza truce: Erdogan
1 hour ago -
Debutant Tanzid powers Bangladesh win over Zimbabwe
1 hour ago
-
Panama to vote in presidential election with 8 contenders
1 hour ago -
Trump trial ends second week of combustible testimony
2 hours ago -
US campus protests wane after crackdowns
2 hours ago -
Nepal court orders limit on Everest climbing permits
2 hours ago -
Germany, Czech Republic accuse Russia of cyberattacks
2 hours ago -
Lunar mission good example of Pak-China cooperation in space exploration, research: Ambassador Hashm ..
3 hours ago