The World Rally Championship (WRC) has dropped a full onboard video (watch it at the bottom of this story) of Sebastien Loeb/Daniel Elena (Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC) from the WRC Copec Rally Chile SS12. Let’s take a look back at that event in 2019…
The 2019 Copec Rally Chile marked a monumental moment in the WRC as Chile made its debut on the WRC calendar. Round 6 of the 2019 season, this event was a true test of skill, precision, and endurance for drivers as they tackled the demanding terrain of Chile’s Bío Bío region from May 9 to 12. The mix of gravel roads, varying elevations, and rapidly changing weather conditions provided a fresh and unpredictable challenge to teams, making this event one of the highlights of the 2019 WRC season.
Ott Tänak’s Dominance
Ott Tänak, driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing that season, took control of the rally from the start, cementing his status as one of the top contenders for the 2019 title. His consistency and precision across all stages allowed him to claim victory in this historic event, finishing with a comfortable margin. This win not only marked Tänak’s second victory of the 2019 season but also underscored his versatility as a driver capable of adapting to new and challenging conditions.
Tänak’s Toyota Yaris WRC performed flawlessly over the three days, with Tänak managing the tricky combination of fast, narrow sections and more open, flowing roads with ease. The Estonian showcased his mastery over the diverse surface, keeping a strong grip on the lead as his rivals struggled with mechanical issues or slower pace. His impressive victory by 23.1 seconds ahead of second-place Sébastien Ogier was a testament to his cool under pressure and ability to maintain high speeds across all 16 special stages.
Sébastien Ogier’s Resilience
Then six-time world champion Sébastien Ogier, driving for Citroën Total WRT, put in a solid performance to claim second place. Ogier’s experience shone through as he navigated the complex terrain with his trademark finesse, but he couldn’t quite match Tänak’s pace. Despite pushing hard on the final day to make up ground, Ogier’s Citroën C3 WRC lacked the edge required to close the gap.
Nevertheless, Ogier’s podium finish in Chile kept him in the hunt for the championship, securing valuable points as he fought to defend his world title. His second-place finish, while commendable, was a reminder of the challenges posed by new rally locations, where unfamiliar roads and unpredictable conditions can tilt the balance between victory and defeat.
Thierry Neuville’s Dramatic Crash
A key moment that changed the course of the event was Thierry Neuville’s dramatic crash during the eighth stage of the rally. Neuville, who entered Rally Chile as the championship leader, suffered a violent roll when his Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC went off the road at high speed. The Belgian driver and his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul were fortunate to escape without serious injuries, but their hopes of victory were dashed as their car was too badly damaged to continue.
Neuville’s crash was a significant blow to his title ambitions, as he lost the opportunity to score crucial points. The incident highlighted the unforgiving nature of the Chilean stages, where narrow roads, lined by trees and rocks, left little margin for error.
The Chilean Challenge
Chile’s gravel stages were a real test of driver skill, with many comparing the conditions to those of Rally Finland, but with the added challenge of unpredictable weather. The fast yet technical nature of the stages kept drivers on edge, requiring pinpoint accuracy and bravery to maintain top speeds. The rally was a visual spectacle for fans, with stunning backdrops of the Pacific coast and dense forests framing the action.
The event was particularly taxing on tyres, with the rough surface and varying grip levels taking a toll on the rubber. Drivers had to carefully manage their tyre wear to maintain pace across the longer stages, adding another layer of strategy to the event.
The Podium Finishers
Third place on the podium was secured by Sébastien Loeb, a WRC legend driving for Hyundai Motorsport. Loeb’s experience proved invaluable in Chile, as he methodically worked his way through the stages, avoiding major mistakes and capitalizing on Neuville’s misfortune. It was an impressive performance from the nine-time world champion, who continues to demonstrate his ability to compete at the highest level even after stepping back from full-time competition.