As the 2024 WRC season reaches its penultimate round, both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships remain up for grabs. But the spotlight is firmly on Hyundai and Thierry Neuville, who are on the brink of securing both titles. The Central European Rally (CER) could be where Neuville finally achieves his long-awaited maiden world championship, with Hyundai also in position to secure the manufacturers’ title. However, standing in their way are competitors from Toyota and within Hyundai’s own ranks.
Neuville’s Title Push: A Matter of Control
Neuville heads into the Central European Rally knowing that a repeat of his 2023 victory here could all but guarantee his first-ever world championship. His 2023 CER win wasn’t without its struggles—issues with setup, visibility, and a minor overshoot set him back early. But by the weekend’s end, Neuville managed to dominate, thanks in part to Kalle Rovanperä backing off to secure his second title. This year, Neuville is the form driver on asphalt, winning in Monte Carlo and showing immense pace in Croatia before an error cost him a potential victory.
With road position and pure pace on his side, Neuville has all the tools to replicate last year’s success. The big question: Will he push for another win or play it safe, knowing the title is within his grasp?
Tänak: Playing Catch-Up for Hyundai
While Neuville is in prime position, his Hyundai teammate Ott Tänak has struggled to match the Belgian’s form on asphalt this season. Tänak managed solid results on gravel but has yet to show the same level of competitiveness on sealed surfaces. He’s had a challenging season, with retirements in Poland and Finland, but consistent podiums since Portugal have kept him in the mix.
Tänak isn’t expected to challenge for the drivers’ title but will play a key role in helping Hyundai fend off Toyota in the manufacturers’ race. Last year, he endured a difficult CER with mechanical issues but still managed a podium finish. Hyundai will hope for a similarly strong result—minus the troubles—to keep Toyota at bay.
Ogier: Toyota’s Last Hope?
With Kalle Rovanperä absent from CER, Toyota will rely heavily on Sébastien Ogier to keep their title hopes alive. The eight-time world champion has been Toyota’s asphalt specialist this season, with impressive performances despite recent setbacks. Ogier’s turbo issues in Greece and a crash in Chile disrupted his rhythm, but he remains a force to be reckoned with on tar.
Toyota desperately needs a big points haul from Ogier to close the gap to Hyundai. Ogier has openly admitted to struggling with motivation during last year’s CER after an early flat tire, but this year the stakes are much higher. With Hyundai’s Neuville potentially playing it safe, Ogier could be the favorite to win the rally if Toyota’s hopes of a manufacturers’ title are to stay alive.
Evans: Redemption on the Horizon?
Elfyn Evans faces a critical moment at CER. Last year, he crashed out of the title fight at this rally, smashing into a barn and ending his championship hopes. This year, Evans is realistically out of the drivers’ title race, but he remains vital to Toyota’s push for the manufacturers’ crown. Evans has shown strong form on asphalt this season, particularly in Monte Carlo and Croatia, where he challenged Neuville for the lead.
A clean, consistent drive from Evans is crucial for Toyota, and with Neuville having other priorities, this could be Evans’ chance to secure his first win of the season.
Fourmaux, Katsuta, and the Midfield Battle
Outside the main championship contenders, drivers like Adrien Fourmaux and Takamoto Katsuta will be looking to make their mark. Fourmaux has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on asphalt, where he won his first powerstage in Croatia. Meanwhile, Katsuta returns after being benched for Chile, looking for a clean finish to restore confidence.
Both drivers will be aiming for strong results to support their teams’ efforts in the manufacturers’ standings, while Fourmaux especially looks for a breakthrough that could see him challenge the frontrunners.
The Stakes at CER
The Central European Rally represents a critical moment in the 2024 season. Hyundai has the chance to secure both titles, but Toyota and its drivers will be throwing everything at the final two rounds to delay that triumph. For Thierry Neuville, the rally offers the perfect opportunity to finally clinch the drivers’ championship that has eluded him for so long.
With just two rounds remaining, CER is more than just another race—it’s a showdown that could define the future of both Neuville and Hyundai. Will Neuville and Hyundai seal the deal, or will Toyota and Ogier spoil the party? All eyes will be on the battle in Central Europe as the 2024 WRC season reaches its dramatic conclusion.
