Rally racing is a high-speed, adrenaline-fueled sport that has gained popularity all over the world. It involves drivers navigating through different terrains, such as gravel, mud, snow, and tarmac, in specially designed cars at incredibly high speeds. The sport is not just about speed, but also requires precision, strategy, and teamwork.
With the 2021 rally season in full swing, let’s take a look at the latest results and standings from some of the most exciting races around the world.
Overview of Rally Racing
Rally racing originated in Europe in the early 20th century, where it was mainly seen as a test of endurance for cars and drivers. However, it has evolved into a highly competitive motorsport with professional teams and manufacturers investing heavily in technology and development.
The most well-known and prestigious rally championship is the World Rally Championship (WRC), organized by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The WRC consists of 12 to 14 rallies held in various countries around the world, with each race spanning over three days and covering hundreds of kilometers.
Apart from the WRC, there are also other popular rallies such as the Dakar Rally, Rallye Monte-Carlo, and the National Rally Championship in various countries.
Latest Results of Recent Races
Arctic Rally Finland
The Arctic Rally Finland, held on February 26-28, 2021, was the second round of the 2021 World Rally Championship. It took place in Rovaniemi, Finland, and covered a total distance of 251.08 kilometers, with 10 special stages.
The rally saw a fierce battle between reigning champion Sebastien Ogier and his Toyota teammate Elfyn Evans. However, it was the young Kalle Rovanpera who stole the show, winning the rally with a time of 2:03:33.7, becoming the youngest driver ever to win a WRC event at just 20 years old.
Ogier finished second, pushing Evans down to third place. This was Rovanpera’s first WRC win and Toyota’s first victory in Finland since 1990.
Rallye Monte-Carlo
The season opener for the 2021 WRC, Rallye Monte-Carlo, was held on January 21-24, 2021. The rally consisted of 14 special stages, covering a total distance of 257.40 kilometers.
The defending champions, Sebastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia, once again showed their dominance, winning the rally with a time of 2:56:33.7. Ott Tanak and his co-driver Martin Jarveoja came in second, followed by Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul in third place.
The rally was also notable for the return of legendary driver Sebastien Loeb, who finished seventh overall with his new co-driver Daniel Elena.
Current Standings in Different Categories
The 2021 WRC season has just begun, and it is already shaping up to be an exciting year. Let’s take a look at the current standings in the different categories after two rounds.
Drivers’ Championship Standings
- Thierry Neuville – 39 points
- Elfyn Evans – 37 points
- Sebastien Ogier – 30 points
- Kalle Rovanpera – 27 points
- Ott Tanak – 20 points
Manufacturers’ Championship Standings
- Toyota Gazoo Racing – 88 points
- Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT – 77 points
- M-Sport Ford World Rally Team – 45 points
- Hyundai 2C Competition – 24 points
- Hyundai Motorsport N – 19 points
Analysis of Key Performances
The first two rounds of the 2021 WRC have shown us some outstanding performances from both experienced and upcoming drivers.
Thierry Neuville, who finished third in the 2020 WRC season, is currently leading the championship with consistent finishes in the top five. The Belgian driver has been consistently delivering strong performances and will be a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.
Elfyn Evans, the defending Arctic Rally Finland winner, has also been showing great pace and consistency, with a win and a second-place finish in the first two rounds. He will be looking to continue his momentum and challenge for the title this year.
Sebastien Ogier, the seven-time WRC champion, has had a slow start to the season, finishing second in Monte-Carlo and third in Finland. However, we know that he is a master at making a comeback and could still be a contender for the title.
The young Finnish sensation Kalle Rovanpera has made a name for himself by winning his first WRC event in Finland. He has shown remarkable speed and skill at just 20 years old and is definitely a driver to watch out for in the future.
In the manufacturers’ standings, Toyota Gazoo Racing has taken an early lead with their strong performances in the first two rounds. However, Hyundai and M-Sport Ford are not far behind and will be pushing hard to close the gap in the upcoming rallies.
Conclusion
The first two rounds of the 2021 WRC season have given us a taste of what’s to come in the world of rally racing. We have seen fierce competition, surprise wins, and impressive performances from both experienced and upcoming drivers.
With several rallies still to come, including the iconic Safari Rally in Kenya and the legendary Acropolis Rally in Greece, there is no telling who will come out on top in the end.
As fans of this thrilling sport, we can’t wait to see what unfolds in the upcoming races and who will ultimately be crowned the 2021 WRC champion.
