The 2024 WRC Central European Rally unfolded across three countries – Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic – delivering a dramatic weekend filled with twists, strategic mastery, and unpredictable weather. Hyundai Motorsport emerged victorious with Ott Tänak claiming his second win of the season, backed by a double podium finish that has set the team up for an electrifying showdown at the season’s final round in Japan.
Hyundai dominates as Tänak takes control
From the outset, the Central European Rally promised excitement, with multiple drivers exchanging the lead and battling through treacherous conditions. Tänak entered Sunday trailing Sébastien Ogier by just 5.2 seconds, and the Estonian made his move on SS15, where Ogier faltered. Seizing a 1.9-second advantage, Tänak extended his lead to 9.4 seconds after Ogier crashed out on SS17, handing Hyundai a decisive upper hand.
Tänak’s measured drive through the final Power Stage secured Hyundai’s second victory of the weekend, marking the team’s fifth win of the season – tying their 2022 record. Speaking after the rally, Tänak reflected on the demanding nature of the stages: “The rally was really intense—demanding from the get-go, with four drivers so close together and never more than ten seconds apart. I fought hard with Seb and tried to push today to secure the win.”
Tänak and co-driver Martin Järveoja now stand at 200 points in the driver and co-driver standings, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Japan.
Neuville’s steady approach yields podium success
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville took a cautious yet effective approach throughout the final day, securing third place after Ogier’s untimely exit. With fourth-fastest time on the Power Stage, Neuville not only claimed valuable points but also ensured a comfortable 25-point lead over Tänak heading into the season’s final round. Reflecting on his performance, Neuville commented: “It has been a good weekend. We came here hoping to win, but the important thing is we’ve maintained our advantage. Now we need a trouble-free rally in Japan to secure the titles.”
Neuville’s calm determination secured his sixth podium of the season and strengthened Hyundai’s position in the manufacturers’ championship, where they hold a slim 15-point lead over Toyota Gazoo Racing.
Mikkelsen pushes through tough conditions
Hyundai’s Andreas Mikkelsen faced a challenging weekend, with a puncture and hybrid issues dampening his momentum. However, the Norwegian saved his best effort for the Power Stage, where he secured second place to claim crucial points. Looking forward to Rally Japan, Mikkelsen expressed optimism: “This weekend didn’t go as expected, but we showed good speed on the Power Stage. Our feeling with the car was much improved, and I enjoyed the drive.”
Toyota fights back, but faces heartbreak
Toyota Gazoo Racing mounted a valiant effort through Elfyn Evans and Takamoto Katsuta, both of whom delivered strong performances on the final day. Katsuta, in particular, was the standout performer on Sunday, clinching maximum points across both the day’s stages and the Power Stage. His pace boosted Toyota’s championship hopes, narrowing Hyundai’s advantage to 15 points ahead of Rally Japan.
Evans finished second overall, keeping Toyota within striking distance for the manufacturers’ title. However, Ogier’s retirement after crashing out on SS17 ended his title hopes and dealt a major blow to Toyota’s championship ambitions. Team principal Jari-Matti Latvala remained optimistic: “Thanks to Elfyn and Taka, we still have a chance in Japan. We’ll aim for a one-two finish there and push for maximum points.”
M-Sport Ford’s resilience on display
Grégoire Munster delivered one of his best performances of the season, finishing fifth overall in his M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 Hybrid. Despite challenging conditions and hybrid issues, Munster showcased consistency and intelligence, equalling his career-best result achieved earlier in Sardinia.
Adrien Fourmaux also demonstrated grit and perseverance after a tough start. Although technical issues hampered his progress, Fourmaux bounced back with a stage win on Super Sunday, finishing 32nd overall but proving his potential with a top-three finish in Sunday’s standings.
The road to Japan: A title fight for the ages
With just one round remaining, the 2024 WRC season is set for a nail-biting conclusion at Rally Japan. Both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships are still up for grabs, promising a thrilling finale on the challenging asphalt roads of Aichi and Gifu prefectures.
Hyundai enters the final round with momentum on their side, buoyed by Tänak’s victory and a strong team effort. However, Toyota remains within striking distance, motivated by Katsuta’s impressive form and Evans’ consistency. The stakes are higher than ever as the teams gear up for a showdown that will determine the champions across multiple categories.
The 13th and final round of the season, FORUM8 Rally Japan, will take place from 21-24 November. With both titles on the line, it promises to be a fitting conclusion to one of the most exciting WRC seasons in recent memory. Fans can expect nothing short of a battle as Hyundai and Toyota leave it all on the tarmac, pushing for glory on the roads around Toyota City.
As the WRC prepares for its final act, one thing is certain: the unpredictability and excitement that define the sport are far from over.
Overall Results
01: O. Tänak/M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) – 2h 37m 34.6s
02: E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID) + 7.0s
03: T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1 HYBRID) + 39.8s
04: T. Katsuta/A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 HYBRID) + 1m 21.0s
05: G. Munster/L. Louka (Ford Ouma Rally1 HYBRID) + 3m 41.9s
06: N. Gryazin/K. Aleksandrov (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 9m 17.6s
07: O. Solberg/E. Edmondson (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 9m 34.1s
08: F. Mares/R. Bucha (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) + 11m 41.5s
09: M. Marczyk/S. Gospodarczyk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 12m 10.6s
10: K. Kajetanovicz/M. Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 12m 20.3s