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Wales Rally GB set for an epic title battle

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Wales Rally GB set for an epic title battle

With three crews battling for the FIA World Rally Championship drivers’ and co-drivers’ titles, and just five points separating Toyota and Hyundai at the top of the manufacturers’ standings, next week’s Dayinsure Wales Rally GB is set to be an epic encounter.

What once looked like a two horse race between Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (Hyundai) and Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (M-Sport Ford) has sensationally turned into a three-way fight for the title after Ott Tänak/Martin Järveoja (Toyota) won three rallies in a row.

What’s more, Tänak’s latest victory in Turkey was his fourth win of the season, one more than his rivals, moving him up into second in the drivers’ standings, 13 points behind Neuville and 10 points ahead of Ogier.

With three rounds remaining, and a maximum of 90 points still up for grabs, Wales Rally GB comes at a crucial time in the series and the result will undoubtedly play a significant role in the outcome of the world title.

“It was great to see all the drama unfold at Rally Turkey – it was a WRC round that was a real challenge to driver, team and car,” said Nicky. “A balanced approach from a driver keeps the car in good shape to deliver a good result for the team – and well done to Toyota, who mastered the conditions.”

"It’s definitely a three-way fight for the title now, and it’s still all to play for,” added Ogier. “With three rallies to race, anything can happen.”

“We are witnessing the most incredible World Rally Championship for many, many years and now the action is heading right here to Wales – that’s a mouth-watering spectacle no one will want to miss,” enthused WRGB boss Ben Taylor. “The latest generation of turbocharged and four-wheel drive cars are the most exciting cars ever seen in our forests and now fans have the added thrills of a title race. It’s going to be blockbuster!”

These are the driver and manufacturer championship standings heading into Wales Rally GB.

FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers’ 1. Thierry Neuville….177pts 2. Ott Tänak….164pts 3. Sébastien Ogier….154pts 4. Esapekka Lappi….88pts 5. Jari-Matti Latvala….75pts 6. Andreas Mikkelsen….75pts 7. Dani Sordo….60pts 8. Teemu Suninen….54pts 9. Elfyn Evans….53pts 10. Hayden Paddon….49pts

FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers’ 1. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRC….284pts 2. Hyundai Motorsport….279pts 3. M-Sport Ford World Rally Team….244pts 4. Citroen Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team….169pts