Thierry Neuville is the leading contender for the 2024 WRC title after his recent victory in Greece, with a significant points advantage. Rally Chile is the next event, showcasing stages previously won by Ott Tanak. Broadcast coverage is available via TNT Sports and Rally.tv, ensuring comprehensive viewer access to the rally’s live and highlight events.
Thierry Neuville emerges as the frontrunner for the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) title following his victory in Greece, which has fortified his lead. The Hyundai driver, in pursuit of his first championship, has established a 34-point lead over his nearest competitor, Sebastien Ogier, with 90 points still up for grabs. Ogier encountered misfortune when he suffered a puncture during the final phase of the Greece rally, resulting in his premature exit and leaving him 38 points adrift of Neuville. Meanwhile, Ott Tanak capitalized on Ogier’s retirement, finishing on the podium and moving to second place in the standings. This upcoming Rally Chile, scheduled for September 26-29, marks its third appearance on the WRC calendar, a venue where Tanak boasts two previous victories. Neuville’s second-place finish in the 2023 edition of the event suggests he possesses the necessary skill to challenge for the title. Neuville has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, maintaining his standings since his inaugural win at the Monte Carlo rally. Despite not clinching another victory until Greece, he has consistently placed on the podium, only finishing outside the top eight once this season. In the manufacturers’ championship, Hyundai leads comfortably with a 35-point margin over Toyota, bolstered by Dani Sordo’s strong performance in Greece. Toyota, despite having more individual wins this season, faces issues with consistent performance, illustrated by Ogier being Toyota’s sole points scorer in Finland. For Rally Chile, both Ogier and Kalle Rovanpera will represent Toyota alongside Elfyn Evans and rookie Sami Pajari, who has been summoned to fill in for Takamoto Katsuta. Meanwhile, M-Sport continues to trail Toyota in the standings but will introduce a third car for young talent Martins Sesks. The Rally Chile is set to attract attention with various stages scheduled over four days, commencing with shakedown tests on September 26 at 1 PM BST. Broadcast coverage of the rally will be provided by TNT Sports and Rally.tv, ensuring fans receive comprehensive live updates throughout the event. Highlights will also be available across multiple platforms post-event.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is a premier motorsport series featuring a series of international rallying events, attracting top drivers from around the world. The 2024 season is notably competitive, with seasoned drivers like Thierry Neuville, Sebastien Ogier, and Ott Tanak vying for the championship title. Rally Chile represents a significant part of the championship calendar, providing dramatic stages through diverse terrain, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the competitors. The event’s structure includes various stages, each offering unique challenges that test the skill and strategy of the teams.
In summary, the 2024 Rally Chile presents an essential opportunity for contenders in the World Rally Championship, particularly for Thierry Neuville, who seeks to extend his lead in the standings. With a well-structured schedule and robust competition from drivers like Sebastien Ogier and Ott Tanak, the event promises to be competitive and engaging for fans. The ability to watch the rally live on TNT Sports and Rally.tv ensures that motorsport enthusiasts do not miss any of the exhilarating action.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
