P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Toyota ace Elfyn Evans ended the Croatia Rally’s opening leg level on times after a frantic Friday on the all-asphalt event. There was nothing to separate the duo af…
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Toyota ace Elfyn Evans finished the opening leg of the Croatia Rally tied on times after a demanding day on the all-asphalt course. Both drivers completed eight stages totaling 74.4 miles with no time difference. Neuville, the overall leader before the rally, faced setbacks and missed opportunities throughout the day, allowing Evans to take the lead briefly before settling at equal time. The challenging conditions, including mud and even snow, created unpredictable grip levels and tested the drivers’ skills.
Despite a rocky start, Sebastien Ogier managed to secure the third position overall after facing challenges like dirt on the road from previous cars cutting corners. The battle for dominance extended to the WRC2 category, where Citroen drivers Nikolay Gryazin and Yohan Rossel dominated the field with Gryazin setting an early lead. The intense competition and shifting weather conditions promise an exciting continuation of the rally on Saturday, with potential for new developments in the standings.
