© AFP
Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris) set the fastest time in the shakedown for the Rally of Croatia, the fourth World Cup rally of the season, on Thursday morning. The Frenchman was seven tenths faster than his Welsh teammate Elfyn Evans. World Championship leader Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20) rode the third fastest time and was 1.4 slower than Ogier.
Bron: BELGIAN
Ogier is, just like in previous years, running a partial programme. He came second in Monte-Carlo. In the two subsequent rallies, in Sweden and Kenya, he let the Finn Kalle Rovanperä drive the third Toyota. In Zagreb it is again up to Ogier, who won the 2021 Rally Croatia. The Frenchman appeared to be looking forward to it. “It's good to be back. Two and a half months without driving is a very long time. We tested well in the run-up to this rally. I feel very happy here,” said Ogier.
Evans, second in the World Championship standings, six points behind Neuville, set the second fastest time and was seven-tenths faster than Neuville and his Estonian teammate Ott Tänak (Hyundai i20). Evans won the rally last year. Since the Rally of Croatia was included in the World Championship, a Toyota has won each time.
Grégoire Munster (Ford Puma) rode the eighth fastest time. “I had a good feeling with the car, but perhaps I was a little too cautious. The trust is there.” Tom Rensonnet (Ford Fiesta) drove the twelfth fastest time in his class (Rally 3).
The ceremonial start takes place on Thursday evening. The competition really starts on Friday morning. On the first day, two loops of four special stages will be ridden.