Latest news with #DelfiRallyEstonia
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Malaysian Reserve
Hankook Tire Pushes the Pace at WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2025
20 special stages delivered fierce competition, wrapping up Delfi Rally Estonia with success Dynapro R213 proved its all-terrain reliability in harsh rally conditions All eyes on Finland: Round 9 promises high-speed drama from July 31 to August 3 TARTU, Estonia, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Round 8 of the 2025 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), Delfi Rally Estonia – exclusively supplied with rally tires by global leading tire company Hankook Tire & Technology (Hankook Tire) – wrapped up in success on July 20 across Tartu and the southern region of Estonia. Delfi Rally Estonia, known for its fast-paced nature, features a dynamic mix of flat-out straights through the southern Estonian forests and narrow, technical corners. Drivers tackled 20 special stages (SS) spanning approximately 308 kilometers, delivering high-stakes competition from start to finish. This round stood out as one of the fastest in the WRC calendar, with average speeds exceeding 120 km/h across gravel stages. Drivers charged through loose surfaces, strung with back-to-back jumps and rugged terrain, demanding precise control and unwavering focus. Under such unforgiving conditions, the consistency and reliability of the rally tires proved decisive in determining the race outcome. Hankook Tire supplied its extreme all-terrain rally tire, the 'Dynapro R213', to support stable driving performance in the face of diverse and demanding rally conditions. Built on durability, the 'Dynapro R213' once again demonstrated top-tier engineering on the global motorsports stage—delivering impressive shock absorption across gravel as well as outstanding grip and precise steering even at high speeds. In the WRC1 class, Toyota GAZOO Racing World Rally Team driver Oliver Solberg secured his maiden career victory, with Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team's Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville completing the podium in second and third, respectively. With this result, Tänak moved to the top of the Driver's Championship standings, edging Toyota's Elfyn Evans by just one point. Round 9 of the 2025 WRC, Secto Rally Finland, is set to take place from July 31 to August 3 in Jyväskylä, Finland. Hankook Tire is poised to deliver optimal performance once again, providing unwavering support to help drivers push their limits in the rally known for its ultra high-speed stages, blind crests, and a series of long airborne jumps. In preparation for the WRC initiative, Hankook Tire has conducted over 2,000 km of real-world testing across more than eight countries in collaboration with the FIA and global manufacturers. Leveraging these results, the company developed high-performance rally tires officially certified by the FIA. Starting from the 2025 season, Hankook Tire has been the exclusive tire supplier for all WRC classes (WRC1, WRC2, WRC3, Junior WRC) under a three-year contract, further strengthening the premium stature of the 'Hankook' brand on the global stage. Photo – – View original content:
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Motors: McErlean and Treacy finish ninth at the Delfi Rally Estonia
The Irish crew of Josh McErlean/Eoin Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1) took their fourth WRC points scoring finish of the season with ninth place in the Delfi Rally Estonia as Swedish driver Oliver Solberg (23) took a magnificent debut Rally1 maiden victory with the Toyota GR Racing outfit. Taking the lead on Saturday's opening stage (SS2) Solberg, the son of former WR champion Petter, showed pace and calmness that belied his years and indeed his Rally1 experience in what was his first Rally1 drive in some three years. Shedding tears at the finish, he said, 'After everything, for so many years trying and trying and trying and dreaming, me and Elliott (Edmondson, his co-driver) have finally made it. I don't know how to describe it. I just want to say a big thank you to Toyota, to the team and to the test team, who have helped me get so comfortable. For all the help in this beautiful team, I've never had such a good time in my life, so thank you.' Solberg finished 25.2s ahead of Hyundai's Ott Tanak, who moves into a one point lead of the championship, with his team mate and reigning champion Thierry Neuville, 23.1s further behind in third. Through Saturday's second leg of nine stages, McErlean/ Treacy maintained their 10th place throughout the day. Running second on the road and having to sweep the loose gravel they had a consistent run as they tried to find their limits without taking risks. At a junction soon after the start of SS12 they out-braked themselves and ended up in a ditch but luckily, escaped unscathed. Out in front, Solberg continued to impress and with four stage wins ended the day with a 21.1s lead, Some changes to the set-up of his Toyota GR Yaris gave Solberg some extra confidence and he duly topped the time sheets on three of the four morning speed tests. His performance allowed him tailor his approach during the afternoon stages to one of stage management. All the time, the Hyundai i20 duo of Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville battled for second - trading places on six occasions with local hero Tanak ending the day 4s ahead of the reigning World champion, who lost some 7s on the day's first stage when he stalled after clipping a chicane bale. Japan's Takamoto Katsuta and his Northern Ireland co-driver Aaron Johnson were sixth overnight. As Solberg went on to claim an astonishing victory, second placed Tanak became the new leader of the championship, Neuville incurred a 10 second penalty for a jump start on Sunday's first stage. While McErlean admitted he wasn't as committed as he would have wished, it was important to get to the finish and with the final stage retirement of Katsuta/Johnston due to a mechanical issue, the Irish crew were classified ninth. On the domestic front, Kilkenny's Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia R5) won the Sligo Rally to reclaim the lead of the Triton Showers National Rally Championship. Throughout the nine stage where tyre choice was difficult, he traded times with late entry Donegal's David Kelly (VW Polo GTi R5), who led twice. At the final service, Doherty held sway by 2.5s before taking a 2.4s advantage into the final stage where Kelly, who had previously narrowed the deficit to 0.8s had an altercation that took a wheel off his VW Polo GTi R5, temporarily blocking the stage. Doherty went on to finish 10.9s ahead of the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 of Donegal's Declan Boyle, whose son Michael, also in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, wad 14.2s behind in third. There was early drama when pre-event and joint championship leader Josh Moffett rolled his Hyundai R5 into retirement on SS1 where Donegal's Kevin Eves (Ford Fiesta Rally2) also crashed out. Sam Moffett was amongst the non-starters. Elsewhere, Omagh's Cathan McCourt (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) won the Banbridge based R Kings Down Rally, that dovetailed as rounds of the Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship and the Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship. Fastest on six of the day's eight stages, he finished 58.6s ahead of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 of Carryduff's Jonny Greer, that ran with a 32mm restrictor, Jersey driver Sam Touzel (Ford Fiesta Rally2), who was third, took maximum points to lead the UK Asphalt series. Delfi Rally Estonia (Round 8, World Rally Championship) Tartu: 1. O. Solberg/E. Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)2h. 36m. 35.1s; 2. O. Tänak/M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+25.2s; 3. T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+48.3s; 4. K. Rovanperä/ J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+55.6s; 5. A. Fourmaux/A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+1m. 33.0s; 6. E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+1m. 43.4s; 7. S. Pajari/M. Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+2m. 55.6s; 8. M. Sesks/R. Francis (Ford Puma Rally1)+3m. 36.0s; 9. J. McErlean/E. Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1)+5m. 29.8s; 10. G. Munster/L. Louka (Ford Puma Rally1)+5m. 57.5s. World Rally Championship for Drivers' Standings (After Round 8): 1. O. Tanak 162pts; 2. E. Evans 161pts; 3. S. Ogier 141pts; 4. K. Rovanpera 138pts; 5. T. Neuville 114pts; 6. A. Fourmaux 71pts; 7. T. Katsuta 63pts; 8. O. Solberg 52pts; 9. S. Pajari 38pts; 10. 10. G. Munster 19pts; 11. J. McErlean 14pts. World Rally Manufacturers' Championship Standings (After Round 8):1. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT 399pts; 2, Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT 347pts; 3. M-Sport Ford WRT 111pts; 4. Toyota Gazoo Racing WRT2 68pts. Sligo Rally (Round 5, Triton Showers National Rally Championship) Sligo: 1. E. Doherty/T. Murphy (Skoda Fabia R5) 49m. 55.8s; 2. D. Boyle/P. Walsh (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+10.9s; 3. M. Boyle/D. McCafferty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+25.1s; 4. J. Dickson/M. Brady (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+47.1s; 5. D. Henry/D. O'Sullivan (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+53.4s; 6. P. Barrett/D. Kelly (Citroen C3 Rally2)+1m. 07.7s; 7. M. Boyle/G. Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+1m. 08.5s; 8. G. Kiernan/J. McCabe (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+1m. 19.2s; 9. D. Gass/N. Shanks (VW Polo GTi R5)+1m. 49.0s; 10. A. McIntyre/P. O'Callaghan (Toyota Starlet)+2m. 32.1s. R Kings Down Rally (Brown & Brown Northern Ireland Rally Championship) Banbridge, Co. Down: 1. C. McCourt/B. McNulty (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) 52m. 26.9s; 2.J. Greer/N. Burns (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2)+58.6s; 3. S. Touzel/M. Freeman (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+1m. 15.7s; 4. M. Kelly/W. Atkins (VW Polo GTi R5)+1m. 23.8s; 5. A. McLaughlin/K. McLaughlin (VW Polo GTi R5)+3m. 04.4s; 6. N. Roskell/R. Fagg (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+3m. 05.4s; 7. C. Wilson/K. McDaid (Hyundai i20 R5)+3m. 45.9s; 8. B. Cole/D. Petrie (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+3m. 50.2s; 9. M. Toner/A. Rankin (Proton Satria)+4m. 22.8s; 10. L. Edwards/S. Spencer (Ford Escort G3)+4m. 35.9s. 2025 Protyre Motorsport UK Asphalt Rally Championship (Positions after Round 5): 1. S. Touzel 114pts; 2. Jason Pritchard 110pts; 3. N. Roskell 107pts; 4. Brad Cole 93pts; 5. John Stone 87pts.
Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Josh McErlean and Eoin Treacy up to 10th after first leg of Delfi Rally Estonia
Having finished Thursday night's opener in Delfi Rally Estonia - round eight of the World Rally Championship - in thirteenth place, Josh McErlean declared: "You need big commitment in this rally." During Friday's seven high speed stages the Kilrea driver and his Killeagh co-driver Eoin Treacy showed good form and ended the first leg in tenth place. It was a spectacular day for Swedish ace Oliver Solberg, back behind the wheel of a Rally1 car for the first time in almost three years, the 23-year old, onboard the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, leads the way - 12.4s ahead of home hero Ott Tanak (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) with reigning World champion Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) just 1.2s further behind in third. Solberg, a regular WRC2 competitor took his maiden WR stage win on the morning opener (SS2) to move into a 5.3s, he was also quickest on the repeat stage and held an 8.5s lead over Tanak at service. With a beaming smile, he enthused: "It's the best car I have ever driven. I am just enjoying and if I need to back off, I will back off, but so far I am just building up step by step.' Surprisingly Tanak, who was best on SS3 and SS5, opined that he struggled for confidence. McErlean had a trio of top ten stage times and held ninth and the top M-Sport Ford driver. Fourmaux, Solberg and Neuville took stage wins during the afternoon where McErlean admitted that one of the ruts almost took the steering wheel from his hands. As he gained in confidence, his commitment levels also increased, however, he couldn't prevent team mate Martin Sesks from leapfrogging him into ninth. Winning the unofficial "drift" competition at the roundabout on the day's final but shortest stage, McErlean said: "We were chatting about it at the start of the stage, I channelled my inner Conor Shanahan from the Red Bull Event (Spike Island), at least we have won something today." On a more serious note, he added: "It's been good, we are not that far away from Martins (Sesks). It's more about the feeling and the confidence in the car. I think we can improve a lot still, it's just trusting that last bit with the pacenotes and the feeling. "Yeah, a lot more to come from me and Eoin rather than the car." Championship leader Elfyn Evans (Toyota Gr Yaris Ral1y1) had a tough day running first on the road and sweeping the loose gravel, he ended the day in seventh. There are nine stages today (Saturday) and three on Sunday. Delfi Rally Estonia (Round 8, World Rally Championship) Tartu 1. O. Solberg/E. Edmondson (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)1h. 06m. 33.4s 2. O. Tänak/M. Järveoja (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+12.4s 3. T. Neuville/M. Wydaeghe (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+14.2s 4. K. Rovanperä/ J. Halttunen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+20.1s 5. A. Fourmaux/A. Coria (Hyundai i20 N Rally1)+ 29.8s 6. T. Katsuta/A. Johnston (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+30.0s 7. E. Evans/S. Martin (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+41.4s 8. S. Pajari/M. Salminen (Toyota GR Yaris Rally1)+1m. 05.1s 9. M. Sesks/R. Francis (Ford Puma Rally1)+1m. 11.4s 10. J. McErlean/E. Treacy (Ford Puma Rally1)+1m. 30.0s.
