Thierry Neuville leads the 2024 WRC standings ahead of Rally Chile, set for 26-29 September; he has a 34-point advantage over Sebastien Ogier following his victory in Greece. Neuville’s consistent podium finishes bolster his position, while Hyundai leads the manufacturers’ championship. Comprehensive coverage of the rally will be available on TNT Sports and Rally.tv.
Thierry Neuville has emerged as the frontrunner for the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) title following his recent victory in Greece, which has broadened his lead to 34 points. The Hyundai driver, who is vying for his first championship title, enters Rally Chile with a significant advantage; he was previously leading Sebastien Ogier by 27 points before Ogier suffered a puncture in Greece, resulting in his crash and subsequent retirement. This unfortunate event has left Ogier 38 points behind Neuville. Rally Chile, commencing on 26 September, marks its third inclusion in the WRC calendar after previous events in 2019 and 2023, both of which were won by Ott Tanak. Last year, Neuville displayed a strong performance despite finishing second in this rally, enhancing his chances of further extending his lead. Throughout the current season, Neuville has demonstrated remarkable consistency, having led the standings since clinching victory at the Monte Carlo Rally. Although he did not secure another win until Greece, he has earned podium positions three times, with only one rally outside the top eight. In the manufacturers’ championship, Hyundai maintains a comfortable lead of 35 points over Toyota, bolstered by Dani Sordo’s performance in Greece. Toyota, while holding two more victories than Hyundai this season, struggled in the last two rounds, with Ogier being the sole points scorer in Finland. Rally Chile kicks off on 26 September, with the initial shakedown at 1 PM BST before its ceremonial start at 11 PM BST. Competitive racing begins the following day with the opening stages scheduled to start at 12:35 PM BST. Viewers in the UK can follow the races live on TNT Sports and Rally.tv, both of which will provide comprehensive coverage of the event, including stages and highlights. The rally consists of 16 special stages covering a total distance of 190.61 miles, featuring challenging routes that traverse the vibrant landscapes of Chile. The event showcases the prowess of elite drivers as they navigate through diverse terrains, with opportunities for bonus points during the closing power stage.
The World Rally Championship (WRC) is an international motorsport competition that showcases the exceptional skills of rally drivers in various challenging environments. Rally Chile is noted for its competitive layout and tough terrain, attracting top drivers from around the globe. As the 2024 season progresses, the race outcomes significantly affect the championship standings, with drivers like Thierry Neuville, Sebastien Ogier, and Ott Tanak driving for prestigious teams and vying for individual and manufacturers’ accolades. Monitoring the performance in events like Rally Chile is critical in determining championship favorites, making the broadcast coverage of these events essential for rally enthusiasts.
Rally Chile presents a pivotal moment in the 2024 World Rally Championship, with Thierry Neuville emerging as the favorite for the title following his successful run in Greece. The race, commencing on 26 September, is critical as it could further consolidate Neuville’s lead, especially considering his competitive history in Chile and the strong performance of his Hyundai team. As fans prepare for the weekend’s racing, TNT Sports and Rally.tv will provide full coverage of the event, showcasing the thrilling aspects of the competition and the exceptional skills of the participating drivers.
Original Source: www.autosport.com
