Elfyn Evans (Toyota Yaris WRC) was the fastest this morning in the shakedown of the Rally of Croatia. Evans was 0.7 seconds faster than Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 Coupé WRC). World Cup leader Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota Yaris WRC) was third fastest and 1.3 seconds slower than his teammate.
After a 53-day break, the participants of the Rally of Croatia got back into their car. The shakedown was finished at a temperature of 16 degrees and a clear blue sky. The participants got a technical, very narrow and winding course of 4.6 km put in front of the wheels. Elfyn Evans set the fastest time on his third passage.
Thierry Neuville was fourth fastest on his first passage and then stayed in the assistance zone for a long time to complete the course twice in succession. On his third pass he approached to within 0.7 seconds of Elfyn Evans.
Kalle Rovanperä’s third fastest time is remarkable. The youngest World Cup leader ever is a gravel specialist and has little experience with asphalt rallies. In addition, the Rally of Croatia is his first asphalt rally with the Toyota Yaris WRC. That is also the case for world champion Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris WRC) who set fifth fastest at 2.5 seconds behind Elfyn Evans.
The ceremonial start of the rally will take place later on Thursday at 6.30 pm. The rally officially starts on Friday morning. During the first day, the participants will set out for two loops of four classification stages each, good for 99.82 competitive kilometers.
.