Ott Tanak suffered an accident in Rally Japanwhat he gave Thierry Neuville he 2024 World Rally Championship and moved the battle for the constructors' title to Toyota.
Tanak started Sunday with a 38-second lead Elfyn Evansof Toyota, and had to stay in the lead to maintain his WRC title chances.
But the first stage on Sunday morning (Nukata, 20.23 km) was decisive for the outcome of the WRC drivers' championship.
Tanak was surprised by the dirt on the road and sped away. The result was a violent shock to his self20Nwho suffered terminal damage.
Tanak and his co-pilot Martin Jarveoja They emerged unscathed from the incident, but the retirement gave the championship to Hyundai teammate Neuville, as well as Martin Wydaeghe.
Neuville started the day needing to add two points from the 12 on offer Sunday to take the title.
But Tanak's accident meant he could no longer be caught even if he didn't finish the rally, meaning the Belgian became the 2024 world rally champion, dramatically winning his first WRC title, then being runner-up five times. (2013, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019).
Neuville had led the championship since winning the opening round in Monte Carlo in January, but his title hopes took a hit this weekend. The Belgian needed just six points, but a turbo failure on Friday left him 15th.
Neuville made a superb comeback on Saturday to take seventh place and four valuable points, while his rival Tanak comfortably led the rally before the Estonian made an error in the 17th special.
“Honestly, it was a surprise. I don't know what to say right now, but I think we deserve it,” said an overwhelmed Neuville.
“It's been a very complicated, very hard year. Obviously we had a lot more pressure than necessary, especially in this last test. We knew there were risks and we managed them. Now we are happy , a little more.” and we can fight harder for the constructors' title because we want to go home with all the trophies.”
The accident also shifted the battle for the manufacturers' crown to Toyotasince Tanak lost his first place after qualifying on Saturday and will no longer be able to fight for points on Sunday.
