Photo Credit: Hyundai Motorsport The month of September has been a long one for fans of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The last time we were treated to the world's best drivers battling each other in the world's best cars was in Germany in the middle of August which now feels like an eternity ago. All that changes next weekend as the WRC returns with its only mixed surface event: Rally de Espana.
One rally, two personalities. The Spanish round of the World Championship is like no other. Day one is contested on gravel roads before a total switch in car set-up and driver mind-set with two hard charging days on tarmac often likened to as a racing circuit by the drivers. This year this tricky event is yet another battleground for the most exciting championship battle in years. Sebastien Ogier took a potentially decisive leap ahead in Germany with a third place finish in his M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC. The suspension broke on Thierry Neuville's Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC which left him stranded early on Saturday but crucially no points were to be added to his tally. Ott Tanak reminded us and the two title protagonists that this may yet be a three horse race with a stunning victory on the German asphalt, that both closed him to within 16 points of Neuville but more importantly gave M-Sport some breathing space in its manufacturers squabble with Hyundai Motorsport. Hyundai has responded however with the addition of Neuville's good friend and Ogier's former team mate Andreas Mikkelsen. The Norwegian has been drafted in to pilot an i20 on each of the final three rounds of the 2017 season, with it later being confirmed that the three-time winner will drive for the Alzenau based squad in 2018 and '19, putting an end to his relationship with Citroen Racing and the scandal that surrounded him after he was left without a permanent drive in the wake of Volkswagen's shock departure 11 months ago. Mikkelsen's presence in the WRC's most impressive service structure can't be underestimated with his sublime pace and consistent nature. Neuville now has his wingman, who has a far superior road position than Ogier's, Ott Tanak, on Friday. That is if the rain stays away. Dani Sordo is Hyundai's hidden gem. Who can forget the Spaniard's scintillating performance on his home event last year? As for Hayden Paddon, he'll be back later in the year. The noise from the red corner of the service park has all been about the two most successful drivers in the sport's history. It's no secret that Citroen team principal Yves Matton's number one priority is securing Sebastien Ogier's signature for 2018 and beyond, which appears to hinge on how involved Ford become in M-Sport's operation. But arguably the bigger news surrounds Sebastien Loeb, who is edging closer to a semi-return next year at the wheel of a C3 WRC on selected rounds. Emerging from those shadows: Kris Meeke. The Ulsterman is beginning to slip under the radar which could actually do him the world of good, and with Mikkelsen no longer in the team, Meeke's place is now all but secure both for this year and next. Stephane Lefebvre and Khalid Al-Qassimi join him in Spain as Craig Breen misses out. Toyota Gazoo Racing hold the wildcards. Jari-Matti Latvala is a strong contender for victory, and by rights should still be in the title equation. As it is, two devastating mechanical retirements have damaged his championship bid for another year at least, but the Finn is driving better than ever. As a serial second placed finisher in Spain, don't bet against him going one better in 2017. Esapekka Lappi, the WRC's newest winner, could also spring a surprise, while Juho Hanninen will be looking to continue his sudden upward trajectory of form in his fight to keep his drive next season. Spain has witnessed some brilliant battles down the year and played its part in the way championships have swung. Carlos Sainz vs Colin McRae in 1995 anyone? A Sebastien Ogier win this time next week could be the penultimate nail in Thierry Neuville's coffin.
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January 2018
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