WRC | Safari Rally, SS12: Neuville still in trouble with the engine

The problem that affected the engine of the #11 Hyundai i20 N Rally1 of Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe during SS11 of the Safari Rally appeared to have been fixed by the crew during the transfer to SS12, but during the 15.08 kilometer Elmenteita 2 this came back.

Neuville, once he started on the special stage, was forced to reduce his pace considerably due to the engine problem that had stopped him a few dozen minutes earlier. The efforts made were of no avail, therefore, even if suddenly, having reached the last part of the test, the car had a jolt and returned to guaranteeing a decent pace until the finish line.

It is logical that the World Championship leader's race is now compromised despite remaining fifth, but the Belgian will try to close the stage to have the chance to bring home important points and chase down the others remaining tomorrow thanks to the new score.

SS12 was won by Elfyn Evans, who did well to resist the third puncture of the day in the last hundred meters and set the best time with a 1″ margin over Ott Tanak. Adrien Fourmaux took the third fastest time, while in the general classification Kalle Rovanpera continues to manage his huge advantage built with a great pace, combined with the misfortunes and mistakes of his opponents.

In WRC2 Gus Greensmith is implementing the same tactic as Rovanpera, closing the special stages without taking risks. His advantage of over 2 minutes and 20 seconds over Oliver Solberg allows him to manage and occupy sixth place. This could and should improve in today's final test, should Neuville still have the same engine problems that led him to lose 10 minutes in 2 stages.

WRC 2024 – Safari Rally – Ranking after SS12