The last, 13th stage of the season – Japan Rally – in the first stage of the last day, Neville‘s (“Hyundai Shell Mobis”) teammate Estonian Ots Tenak crashed, as a result of which the Belgian secured the title at the age of 36. Since Neville started in the WRC, the Belgian has been close to the championship on several occasions, finishing as runner-up five times before, and third in the previous three years.
In the last stage, British pilot Elfin Evans, whose Toyota Gazoo was represented, won the manufacturers’ competition. The first three included two Frenchmen Sebastien Ogier (Toyota Gazoo) and Adrien Furmeaux (M-Sport Ford), who were almost a minute and a half and almost two minutes behind, respectively. Neville was sixth in the Japan Rally.
Neville accumulated 242 points in the season, or 32 more than Evans, but Tenak had another ten points less.
In the factory rating, “Toyota” beat “Hyundai” by a mere three points, thus creating the closest battle since 1983, when “Lancia” beat the closest followers by three points.
Finnish racing driver Kalle Rovanpere became a two-time world champion last year, securing the title one stage before the end of the season. Rovanpere, who won two Latvian rally championship titles at the beginning of his career, did not start in all stages of the WRC this year.
What were the key takeaways from the Japan Rally that influenced the outcome of the WRC championship?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and WRC Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with WRC expert and motorsport analyst, Daniel Hartman. Daniel, thank you for joining us.
Daniel Hartman (DH): Thanks for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. We just witnessed the dramatic conclusion of the Japan Rally, which marked the last stage of the season. Can you give us your thoughts on what made this event particularly memorable?
DH: Absolutely! The Japan Rally was nothing short of thrilling this year. The stakes were incredibly high, especially for drivers like Neville who had a shot at the championship. The drama escalated dramatically when Ots Tenak, Neville’s teammate from Hyundai Shell Mobis, crashed during the first stage of the last day. This unexpected turn of events sealed the championship for our Belgian driver.
TNE: That crash was certainly a game-changer! How did it feel to witness such a pivotal moment that ultimately secured the title for Neville at 36?
DH: It was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, it’s amazing to see a driver like Neville finally clinch the title after such perseverance. At 36, he’s proving that age is just a number in motorsport. However, the fact that it came at the expense of his teammate was tough to swallow for fans of the sport. There’s always that element of team dynamics in motorsport, and it’s hard to celebrate a victory that’s tied to a teammate’s misfortune.
TNE: That’s a great point about the team dynamics. How do you think the crash will affect Tenak’s career and his relationship with Neville moving forward?
DH: It’s certainly going to create some ripples. Tenak is a talented driver, and it’s likely he’ll have some self-reflection after this incident. He’ll need to bounce back from it, both mentally and physically. As for his relationship with Neville, that could evolve in either direction. They may strengthen their bond through shared experiences, or it could create unintentional tension. Time will tell, but team solidarity is crucial in a sport as intense as WRC.
TNE: Given all of this, what do you think this championship win means for Neville’s legacy in the WRC?
DH: Winning the championship at this stage in his career is monumental. It solidifies his place among the elite drivers in WRC history. His perseverance and skill have been on display throughout the season, and this title serves as a testament to his hard work. Moreover, it inspires upcoming drivers that late-career success is attainable. It adds a new chapter to his story that fans will celebrate for years to come.
TNE: Absolutely! Now that the 2023 WRC season has concluded, what are you looking forward to in the upcoming season?
DH: I’m eager to see how teams adapt to the evolving strategies that come with new regulations and technologies. With drivers like Neville and Tenak in the mix, and new talents brewing, I think we can expect closer races and unexpected outcomes. The competition is fierce, and that’s what keeps us, as fans and analysts, on the edge of our seats!
TNE: Exciting times ahead indeed! Daniel, thank you for your insights into the thrilling world of rally racing. We appreciate you shedding light on the Japan Rally and the implications for the drivers involved.
DH: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss WRC, and I’m looking forward to what’s next in this fabulous sport.
TNE: And that concludes today’s interview! Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the world of motorsport here at Time.news.