Hyundai Motorsport completed the penultimate day of Rally Argentina with a 1-2 on the overall classification

Hyundai Motorsport holds a commanding lead in Rally Argentina, the fifth round of the 2019 FIA World Rally Championship, with a provisional 1-2 for the team at the end of the penultimate day of action.

Thierry Neuville maintained his overnight lead throughout Saturday’s stages, defending his advantage from Ott Tänak. The Belgian and his co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul then inherited a more comfortable gap when Tänak retired on the afternoon loop. Heading into the final morning, the pair enjoys a 45-second lead over their Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team colleagues Andreas Mikkelsen and Anders Jæger-Amland.

The Norwegian crew moved up to second place after a strong day in the #89 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC, which ended with their third stage win of the weekend. Spaniards Dani Sordo and Carlos del Barrio are also in the top-five, less than nine seconds from the top-three.  

Saturday’s schedule covered a total stage distance of 146km, including a repeat loop of three timed tests, split by a lunchtime run through the Fernet Branca super special. The loop intensified with each stage as Tanti-Mataderos (13.92km) led onto Mataderos-Cuchilla Nevada (22.67km) and culminated with the day’s longest route, Cuchilla Nevada-Characato (33.65km).

Adding to their stage wins from Friday, Neuville added another fastest time in SS9 (Tanti-Mataderos), while Mikkelsen topped the times in SS12 (Fernet Branca) and led a Hyundai 1-2 in SS15 (Cuchilla Nevada – Characato).

Crew Notes: Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul (#11 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

• Belgians lead Rally Argentina by 45 seconds at the end of Saturday
• Aiming for back-to-back victories following their win in Corsica

Neuville said: “We are in a very strong position but we still can’t take anything for granted. It has been an excellent day. We have enjoyed a good feeling in the car on all stages. We knew it would be tough to defend but we were able to maintain our lead and then saw that increase when Ott unfortunately retired. Knowing we had a margin, we were able to take it easier on the last stage, avoiding rocks and punctures. Even then the confidence we had in the car allowed us to set a competitive time. We have three iconic stages tomorrow, but the aim is clear: we have to keep it clean.”

Crew Notes: Andreas Mikkelsen/Anders Jæger-Amland (#89 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

• Second place overall after a day of improving performances for the Norwegians
• Stage win in SS12 (Fernet Branca) and heading a 1-2 in SS15 (Cuchilla Nevada – Characato)

Mikkelsen said: “I am incredibly happy with how we have ended today’s stages. I wasn’t overly pleased with the morning loop, and I struggled in the opening two stages. I felt a lack of grip from the rear of the car and it was hard to push without sliding. However, we made some suspension changes at lunchtime service that improved my feeling and we could generate some excellent performance. We drove cleanly and precisely, finishing the day with a fantastic stage win. Bring on Sunday – and a push for the podium!” 

Crew Notes: Dani Sordo/Carlos del Barrio (#6 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC)

• Spaniards complete Saturday in fifth place, just nine seconds from the podium
• Lost time on the opening stage but put in a measured performance

Sordo said: “The battle for the podium is very close and it is pleasing to see all three of our cars featuring strongly on the classification. I lost some time on the first stage but we were able to bring ourselves back into contention. I enjoyed the stages a lot. There was a bit of cleaning in the morning but we were still able to make up ground. We find ourselves in a strong situation now with Thierry and Andreas 1-2, and what promises to be a fun and interesting fight for third place on Sunday.”

Team Director Andrea Adamo: “It has to be said that, on paper, things are looking very promising for us heading into the final morning of this rally. At the same time, we have seen a number of our rivals experience difficulties today, which means we can’t be complacent. All our crews have performed well, the Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC has shown its pace on these difficult gravel stages, but now we have to finish the job. Thierry has a nice lead, Andreas is looking strong in second and Dani has a chance to push for the podium. We have to stay focused.”

Sunday at a glance

• Three stages will be held on the final day of Rally Argentina, including some of the most iconic stages of the season.
• Starting with the 16.43km Copina-El Condor, crews will then move onto the equally exciting Mina Clavero-Giulio Cesare test.
• El Condor will be run for a second time as the rally-ending Power Stage with extra points available for the top-five fastest drivers.

Classification after Day Two

Press release Hyundai Motorsport