The Hyundai driver triumphed over Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier by a slim margin of 0.6 seconds on the 2.94km beachside asphalt stage, setting the pace for the rally. With no service scheduled before the next morning’s gravel stages, teams adopted a conservative approach during the spectator test to preserve tire wear for the more demanding Friday stages.
Despite the Hyundai driver’s success, concerns arose among drivers about the placement of the stage in the rally itinerary. Neuville expressed frustration over the challenge of conserving tires for subsequent gravel stages after navigating a tarmac section, labeling it as nonsensical and potentially detrimental to the overall show for spectators.
Ogier echoed Neuville’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for such stages to be strategically placed within the rally loop to maximize excitement and tire wear. The sentiment among drivers suggests a consensus on the need for better planning regarding stage placement to enhance both the competition and spectator experience.
The tie for third place between Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta and Hyundai’s Ott Tanak followed closely by reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera, highlighted the tactical nature of the competition, with drivers adopting varying strategies to manage tire wear effectively.
In the WRC2 category, Yohan Rossel led the pack, outpacing seasoned competitor Kris Meeke, with Oliver Solberg trailing closely behind. The rally is set to continue with a full day of gravel stages on Friday, promising further challenges and opportunities for drivers to showcase their skills and strategy.
