The third day of Repco Rally New Zealand hasn’t even started and drama is already flowing. As three of the top drivers have received penalties.
Ott Tänak
Ott Tänak would be one of two Hyundai drivers given a penalty. Tänak would be penalized for using too much boost on SSS1. Thus being given a five-second penalty. Although the rally stewards agreed the extra boost didn’t give any major benefit to Tänak, he would still receive the penalty. Tänak would be the most affected out of the three drivers, as he would fall to second overall. As a result of the penalty Elfyn Evans would inherit the lead, now leading the rally by 4.8 seconds. Tänak now sits 1.7 seconds ahead of Ogier who sits in third.
Thierry Neuville
Thierry Neuville would be the second Hyundai driver penalized. Neuville would receive the same penalty as Tänak. Neuville wouldn’t be affected as much as Tänak however. As Neuville would remain sixth overall, now 6.8 seconds behind Gus Greensmith who sits fifth. Neuville now sits about 37.7 seconds ahead of Hyundai teammate Oliver Solberg who sits seventh.
Kalle Rovanperä
Kalle Rovanperä would be the final driver to receive a penalty (as of now). Rovanperä would receive the penalty for the exact same reason as Tänak and Neuville. Much like Neuville, Rovanperä wouldn’t be affected much by the penalty. As he remains fourth overall. Rovanperä now sits 5.5 seconds behind Toyota teammate Sebastian Ogier who sits third. Rovanperä still sits comfortably in fourth, as he leads Gus Greensmith by 31.6 seconds.
How Did This Happen?
The cause of the over boost on the cars is unknown. The Hyundai crew said it was a mistake by the engineer who didn’t realize the max boost allowed was changed. That may explain the Hyundai duo’s penalties but not Rovanperä’s.
Could There Be An Appeal?
Hyundai or Toyota may choose to appeal these penalties at any time before the rally ends. They may choose to do this if that five seconds is a difference maker in winning or losing.
The Effect On Repco Rally New Zealand
Repco Rally New Zealand has been chaotic, to say the least. These three penalties just add to it. As a result It will now force the top three in the WRC standings to push harder to gain points. Rovanperä knows how important this weekend could be as Rovanperä has the chance to clinch the championship yet again and become the youngest ever champion. Although chances are these penalties won’t have a huge difference on who wins or who loses.
My name is Joe Moore. I am a writer for Belly Up Hockey, Belly Up Racing, and Belly Up Sports. You can find me on Twitter.
