Thierry Neuville leads the 2024 WRC standings ahead of Rally Chile, following a victory in Greece. He holds a 34-point advantage over Ott Tanak and Sebastien Ogier, who faced challenges in the last round. Rally Chile, which Neuville placed second in last year, takes place from September 26-29 and will be broadcast on TNT Sports and Rally.tv, providing extensive coverage of the events.
Thierry Neuville of the Hyundai World Rally Team has established himself as the leading contender for the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) title following his victory at the previous round in Greece. This triumph has positioned him 34 points ahead of his closest rival, with 90 points still available across the remaining rallies. Neuville entered the Greek event leading Sebastien Ogier by 27 points, but a puncture led to Ogier’s retirement and subsequent 38-point deficit to Neuville in the championship standings. Ott Tanak, the 2019 world champion, benefitted from Ogier’s misfortune by finishing on the podium in Greece, thereby moving into second place in the overall standings. This upcoming weekend marks the third edition of Rally Chile, a rally previously won by Tanak in both 2019 and 2023. Neuville secured a second-place finish in Chile last year, indicating his competitive form at this rally, which may propel him closer to clinching his first championship title. Neuville’s season performance has been notably consistent; despite not winning again until Greece, he achieved three podium finishes and only fell outside the top eight once in Sardinia. His Hyundai team is also leading the manufacturers’ championship, especially after Dani Sordo’s second-place finish in Greece, putting them 35 points ahead of competitors Toyota. Toyota, despite holding more victory titles this season, is now facing challenges with only points from Ogier after a disappointing performance in Finland. They will enter the Rally Chile with four GR Yaris vehicles, including Ogier and reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera, boosted by the addition of Sami Pajari, replacing Takamoto Katsuta for this event. The third-place team, M-Sport, trails significantly behind Toyota and has faced difficulties securing points, although they are introducing a third entry for rising star Martins Sesks to potentially enhance their performance this weekend. The 2024 Rally Chile is scheduled for September 26-29, with the rally commencing at 11 PM BST (7 PM local time) on its opening day, following a shakedown session that starts at 1 PM BST. After the ceremonial start, the competitive stages will begin on Friday, featuring a total length of 16 special stages covering 190.61 miles. Events will be broadcasted live on TNT Sports, which has held the rights since 2014, and also on Rally.tv. Coverage specifics in terms of channels and times will vary throughout the weekend, offering fans a comprehensive viewing experience. Additionally, various highlights will be available on TNT Sports and Red Bull TV post-event, including daily recaps and specific highlights designed for viewers in different time zones. In summary, the 2024 Rally Chile represents a pivotal moment in the WRC season as Neuville seeks to solidify his title lead while rivals like Tanak and Ogier aim to close the gap. The rich competitive history of this event, combined with strategic team performances, will determine the trajectory of the championship in the coming months.
The article discusses the upcoming 2024 Rally Chile, a significant event in the World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar. This information is crucial as drivers compete for crucial points that could ultimately determine the championship victor. Thierry Neuville is positioned as the championship leader after a successful run in the previous rally, highlighting the dynamics and rivalries within the championship. The article further elaborates on the performance metrics, including team standings and individual driver statistics, establishing a foundation for understanding how the upcoming rally might play out. Additionally, insights into broadcast details provide viewers with the necessary information to follow the event live.
The 2024 Rally Chile promises to be an exciting chapter in the WRC season, with Thierry Neuville leading the standings and aiming for his first championship title. The competition remains intense with notable rivals like Ott Tanak and Sebastien Ogier seeking to narrow the points gap. Comprehensive coverage of the rally will be available through TNT Sports and Rally.tv, ensuring fans can closely follow the action. The outcome of this rally may prove crucial in defining the championship landscape as the season progresses.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
