Nikolay Gryazin delivered a masterclass at the Central European Rally, securing a commanding WRC2 victory with a 2min 23.9sec margin. Piloting a Citroën C3 Rally2, the 27-year-old Russian led from the second stage and never looked back, racking up over ten fastest times and sealing his third WRC2 Challenger win of the season. His victory keeps him firmly in contention for the WRC2 Challenger title, setting up a final showdown at the FORUM8 Rally Japan next month.
“I could not have done this without my co-driver, the team, and the gravel crew,” Gryazin said. “They gave me everything I needed to stay fast all weekend.”
Solberg holds on to WRC2 lead
Meanwhile, Oliver Solberg of the Škoda Motorsport customer team Toksport WRT managed to maintain his overall WRC2 lead despite not scoring category points at this event. The 23-year-old Swede, partnered with British co-driver Elliott Edmondson, demonstrated exceptional pace throughout the tri-nation rally. Solberg and Edmondson completed the asphalt event – which spanned stages in the Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany – with a second-place finish in class RC2, ensuring they stay ahead in the season standings.
While Solberg leads the WRC2 championship heading into Japan, the pressure now shifts to Sami Pajari, who remains his closest rival. With the title race still open, Pajari must outperform Solberg at the season finale to claim the crown.
Rossel’s championship dream in tatters
Yohan Rossel’s title ambitions came crashing down during a disastrous weekend. Needing a victory to stay in contention for the WRC2 crown, Rossel’s rally began poorly and only got worse. A broken wheel following an off-road excursion on Thursday set him back early, followed by a series of lacklustre stages on Friday. Rossel’s hopes were finally dashed on Saturday when a slide off the road damaged his car’s suspension, costing him 14 minutes and any chance of a comeback.
With Rossel’s struggles, the WRC2 title now rests between Solberg and Pajari, adding suspense to the season-ending FORUM8 Rally Japan. Solberg will enter the final round leading the points, but Pajari has the chance to steal the title with a strong performance in Japan.
Mareš shines on home soil
Czech driver Filip Mareš delivered one of the performances of the rally, securing second in the WRC2 category with his Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. Competing on familiar asphalt roads, Mareš held his ground against stiff competition from Škoda Fabia RS Rally2 drivers, including Miko Marczyk and Kajetan Kajetanowicz. Despite an overshoot on Saturday, Mareš held his nerve to take his first WRC2 podium, finishing 29.1sec ahead of Marczyk.
The battle for third saw Marczyk and Kajetanowicz locked in a fierce duel throughout the event. However, Kajetanowicz’s challenge faded after a braking mistake on Saturday’s final stage, giving Marczyk the edge to secure the final podium spot by 9.7sec.
Kremer reigns supreme in WRC Masters Cup
In the WRC Masters Cup, rally veteran Armin Kremer continued his dominance, cruising to a comfortable victory with a 10-minute margin over Eamonn Boland. Gryazin also extended his lead during the rally’s closing stages, capping off his dominant weekend with flair.
The Central European Rally delivered drama and excitement, setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the WRC2 season. Gryazin’s triumph keeps him in the hunt for the WRC2 Challenger title, while Solberg’s measured performance preserves his championship lead. With everything on the line at the FORUM8 Rally Japan, all eyes will be on Solberg and Pajari as they fight for WRC2 glory.
Motorsport fans are guaranteed a thrilling finale as the 2024 WRC2 season draws to a close, with Gryazin, Solberg, and Pajari all chasing their final shot at victory at the upcoming FORUM8 Rally Japan next month.
Final Results
01: N. Gryazin/K. Aleksandrov (Citroën C3 Rally2) – 2h 46m 52.2s
02: F. Mareš/R. Bucha (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) + 2m 23.9s
03: M. Marczyk/S. Gospodarczyk (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 2m 53.0s
04: K. Kajetanowicz/M. Szczepaniak (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 3m 02.7s
05: J. McErlean/J. Fulton (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 3m 13.0s
06: M. Griebel/T. Braun (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 3m 37.4s
07: M. Potty/R. Herman (Citroën C3 Rally2) + 6m 56.3s
08: A. Kremer/E. Kremer (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 7m 19.1s
09: W. Creighton/L. Regan (Ford Fiesta Rally2) + 7m 49.9s
10: V. Cvrcek/P. Tesinsky (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) + 12m 18.7s