© AFP
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20) is also the leader in the Rally of Croatia, the fourth round of the world championship, after the second day of competition. The 35-year-old from Liège has 4.9 ahead of the Welshman Elfyn Evans (Toyota Yaris). His French teammate Sébastien Ogier has to make up 11.6 in third. In the World Cup standings, Neuville increases his lead over Evans to nine points.
Grégoire Munster (Ford Puma) finished the day in eighth, at 4:56.3. Tom Rensonnet (Ford Fiesta) was second in the WRC3, until he had to retire with a technical problem.
After the battle for seconds on Saturday morning, the top three continued the battle unabated in the afternoon. The local shower during the first ride favored the Toyota drivers, who were on soft tires. Evans won that stage and took the lead from Neuville. One ride later, the Belgian turned the tables again. On the dried-up track he now had the advantage with his hard tires. This was also the case during the third and fourth stages, so that he ended the day with three stage victories in a row.
“Despite our poorer tire choice this afternoon, we still managed to defend our position. On Sunday we have to make the right tire choice and continue to attack,” said Neuville at the finish of the last stage.
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In the World Cup standings, Neuville, as leader, gains eighteen points on Saturday, three more than number two Evans. The condition for this is that the finish takes place on Sunday.
Since the Rally of Croatia became part of the WRC, a Toyota has won each time: Ogier in 2021, Kalle Rovanperä in 2022 and Evans in 2023. Neuville can put an end to that hegemony.