P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Latvala: Neuville, Evans tied for WRC Croatia lead "something special"
Hyundai’s Neuville and Toyota driver Evans tied for the lead on Friday night after identical overall times in a challenging 119.74-kilometer rally stage. Neuville initially held a 10.1-second lead over Evans, but a puncture on stage six cost him valuable time. Evans took a 1.6-second lead, which Neuville managed to match on the final test, creating an intense battle at the top. The close competition was further highlighted by Sebastien Ogier’s victory on stage eight, with only 6.6 seconds separating the top three contenders. Despite the thrilling rivalry, discussions among teams and the FIA regarding next year’s Rally1 technical regulations cast a shadow over the championship’s future. Reflecting on the fierce competition, drivers appreciated the close battle and the effectiveness of the current technical formula in delivering exciting rallies.
