© AFP
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) finished second in the Finland rally, the ninth round of the world championship, on Sunday. The leading position of Briton Elfyn Evans (Toyota) was no longer in danger on the final day.
Evans started the final day of competition with four chronos ahead of Neuville by 32.1. The Briton underlined his dominance with three victories, including the one in the final Power Stage for Neuville. In the final standings, Evans was 39.1 ahead of Neuville. Japan’s Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota) completed the podium in 1:36.7.
“I am very satisfied with this result. The team has done an excellent job,” said Neuville. “It is a great relief to be back on the podium in Finland after struggling here for the past ten years. It proves that we are on the right track and that the changes are paying off.”
The Finnish world champion Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) had to retire on Friday after a crash. He remains leader in the World Championship standings with 170 points, ahead of Evans (145 points) and Neuville (134 points).