P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ott Tanak extended his Rally Japan lead on Saturday, but all eyes were on his Hyundai teammate, Thierry Neuville (above), as he vaulted up the leaderboard to put himself within touching distance of…
On Saturday at Rally Japan, Ott Tanak extended his lead while Thierry Neuville impressed by climbing to a position close to winning the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship. Neuville, often called the WRC’s “nearly-man,” is now on the verge of claiming his first drivers’ title and making history as the first Belgian driver to do so in WRC. Despite encountering a turbocharger issue on Friday, Neuville’s remarkable recovery puts him in a favorable position needing just two more points on Super Sunday to secure the championship. Meanwhile, Tanak is leading the manufacturers’ championship for Hyundai, with a substantial lead over Toyota heading into Sunday’s final stages. Sebastien Ogier also made progress, bouncing back from setbacks to climb to third place overall, showcasing the competitive nature of Rally Japan.
