The tenth stage of the World Rally Championship was supposed to give an answer to one question — Will Sebastien Ogier ahead of becoming a world champion by winning, or he'll take the title by finishing the race after their main rivals. The fact that the French will win it in Australia, no doubt, even skeptics.
Well, in fact, to secure a third title Cebu necessarily had to win. He needed to finish any higher than Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen — a mathematical chance for the title were only Three pilots Volkswagen Motorsport — or finish the race far from Finn and Norwegian.
In such a situation could only prevent Ogier technique, however reliable Volkswagen Polo R WRC this season is beyond praise (the only trouble was the problem with the engine that caused Sebastien gathering on the first day «Rally Argentina»).
In light of the foregoing, no sensations from the Australian stage was not expected. They would not have happened if not for Mads Ostberg...
During reconnaissance upcoming race Norwegian managed not to share the road with oncoming truck-trailers. How? Why is that? What for? History is silent. Yes, there has been a narrowing of the road. Yes, it was actually in the turn, so drivers see each other for a moment before the collision and almost did not have time to take.
Ostberg tried to step aside, but whether instinctively, or so it seemed logical, turned right. Only here the movement in Australia drive on the left and it turns out that Mads rushed to the opposite side of the road. There also tried to escape and the truck...
The pilot factory team Citroen Racing was very lucky — he, like all the «factory» drivers prescribes the track by car, equipped with a safety cage. It has played a significant role in the accident. Skipper Jonas Andersson escaped with bruises, and the Mads initially also called himself «practically healthy» and going to the next day to continue the acquaintance.
But the next morning the Norwegian realized that his condition is not so rosy. As a result, doctors discovered he had two cracked ribs. With these injuries to talk about participation in the rally is not necessary. And what, Citroen lost one crew before the start? No, the situation was corrected in unexpected ways.
In Australia, another crew came from «bench» Citroen. Two Stephen — Lefebvre and Prevost — also got an accident on the slopes residence permit, but without any damage to itself.
As a result, after the failure of Ostberg to participate in the race Citroen had no choice but to sit in the second factory car yesterday debutants WRC — never speaking driving Citroen DS3 WRC on gravel Stephen Lefebvre.
But the protagonist, of course, remains the championship leader and five minutes to the triple world champion Sebastien Ogier. For Frenchman Australian race was existent punishment — by his own admission, due to the amount of gravel, it is the most complex in the calendar of WRC-2015 for the rider going first. But there was no choice — Seb lead in the championship, so it was he had to open the peloton.
If you look at the summary statistics of the race, it may seem that rivals Ogier had chances to win. During the first three special stages Dani Sordo was in the lead. Then she grabbed the lead Kris Meeke missed first place in the final special stage of the day. But the morning of the second day it was released the leader Jari-Matti Latvala again changed places with the pilot Citroen Racing. It was only on the last day of the second SU leaders came Sebastien Ogier — he brought the race to the finish.
But in fact, the French victory was virtually preordained. Yes, it is almost to the last moment did not claim to leadership.
Seb led the race on the eve of the third day, when the «bulldozer duty» was removed from him, and he ran at full capacity.
However, in order to claim victory Ogier did not have to begin the third day of the race leader — it was enough to have a slight delay, which he can easily be cut at the last day. And Seb brilliantly performed it «compulsory» conditions. Having started the race eighth, he finished the first day of the third! In the course of the second day he first dropped to fourth place, and then on every (!) Win back the dope in one place — the third, second and finally the first!
Next — business equipment. Five wins in five special stages of the final day and final victory assured.
Yes, of course, in contrast to rivals Frenchman managed to avoid punctures, technical problems and dense dust. But opponents themselves create problems for yourself! Elfin Evans twice turned around and punched the wheel on their own initiative. Stephane Lefebvre came on the first day, with their hands pointing Citroen in stone. Dani Sordo cut the engine and missed the lead. Jari-Matti Latvala had broken alternator belt, having flown at full speed into the pit.
And only Chris Mick fatally just lucky — both in the first and the second day he was «caught up» dust crews started earlier, which led to the loss of speed and time.
Absolutely quietly «Rally Australia» held not the slowest Andreas Mikkelsen and Ott Tyanak Thierry Neuville. They occupied high places — Norway was fourth, Estonian — sixth, and a Belgian — seventh. But Andreas gave his «rightful» place on the podium Chris Mick Ott was unable to get into the top 5, and Thierry and not managed to become the best representative of Hyundai — Hayden Peddon two positions, and more than a minute (!) Ahead of his more experienced friend in-arms.
Dani Sordo, Elfin Evans winner offset WRC 2 Nasser Al-Attiyah rounded out the top ten.
The next stage of the World Rally Championship will be held on October 1 in France.
