Jan NettigIn a thrilling start to the World Rally Championship’s (WRC) new multi-country event in Central Europe, Ott Tanak from M-Sport Ford emerged as the early leader. The opening stage was held in Prague, marking the Czech Republic’s debut in the WRC. Tanak delivered a flawless performance on the 2.55km Velka Chuchle spectator stage, which wound around a racecourse, securing the top spot amidst a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Tanak’s choice of four soft tyres proved advantageous, as he finished 0.7 seconds ahead of Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier, who opted for wet tyres. Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville, navigating through a challenging mix of asphalt and gravel, clinched the third-fastest time, just 0.3 seconds behind Ogier.
Esapekka Lappi, also from Hyundai, initially posted the fourth-quickest time but faced a setback due to a 10-second penalty for a false start, dropping him out of the points-paying positions. This allowed Hyundai teammate Teemu Suninen to move up to fourth, while M-Sport’s Gregoire Munster, in only his second WRC start, impressed by securing the fifth position.
Toyota’s Takamoto Katsuta and Toksport Skoda’s Andreas Mikkelsen, who is in contention for the WRC2 title, followed in sixth and seventh places, respectively. WRC title rivals Elfyn Evans and reigning champion Kalle Rovanpera from Toyota Gazoo Racing finished eighth and ninth, with Evans narrowly edging out Rovanpera.
Rovanpera, who could clinch his second world title if he outscores Evans in this event, commented on the unique experience of driving on a racecourse, something he had never done despite having a racehorse himself.
The rally continues with more challenges, including six asphalt stages in the Czech Republic, stages across the German and Austrian border, and concluding with four stages in Germany.
For more details and updates on this exciting event, you can read the original article on Motorsport.com.
