P1racenews AI automatic summary:
WRC Croatia: Relentless Neuville fends off Evans to hold narrow lead
Rival title contenders fought fiercely throughout the day’s eight stages, with lead changes and a slim gap of never more than five seconds between them, starting Saturday tied in overall times. Hyundai’s Neuville ended the day with a 4.9s lead over Evans, thanks to a maximum attack strategy and a smart tyre choice in the unpredictable weather. The battle for victory also included 8-time champion Ogier in third place, 11.6s behind the leader, collecting crucial points. Hyundai’s Tanak held fourth, while M-Sport’s Fourmaux struggled with tyre decisions. Neuville reclaimed the lead from Evans after a strong run in changing conditions, showcasing the importance of tire management in rally racing. Despite the challenges, Neuville’s bold approach paid off, positioning him as a strong contender for the win.
