Whatshot
Hyundai Celebrates Maiden Victory in Rally Finland
Hyundai Celebrates Maiden Victory in Rally Finland
Hyundai Motorsport claimed their first-ever victory in Rally Finland after a commanding performance by Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja in the Hyundai i20 N Rally1 car.The Estonians were in masterful control of the rally from the opening stage on Friday morning (SS2) and managed their advantage throughout the entire event. Not only did they maintain their overnight lead, but they extended it during Sundayâs loops for a victory by 6,8 seconds.On a captivating final day, Tänak made his intentions clear from the opening 10,84 km Oittila special stage, extending his lead over his chasing rival, Kalle Rovaperä, by 1,9 seconds. Setting the joint fastest time on the subsequent stage, Ruuhimäki (11,12 km), Tänak added a seventh stage win of the weekend and set things up nicely for the repeat loop â with the second pass of Ruuhimäki acting as the Power Stage.Thierry Neuville and Martijn Wydaeghe secured a fifth place finish after an encouraging and trouble-free weekend. The Belgians won the first stage of the rally on Thursday evening to ensure Hyundai Motorsport led the event from start to finish.Tänakâs victory is the second of the season for the Hyundai i20 N Rally1, and Hyundai Motorsportâs first-ever win in Rally Finland. The performance of both Tänak/Järveoja and Neuville/Wydaeghe this weekend reflects the determination and hard work of the entire team â on site and back at the Alzenau factory. Pushing the boundaries to improve the pace of the car, the team has taken an impressive win at an event that has previously proved elusive.

