SS19 – Fafe Power Stage provides and exciting ending

The iconic Fafe stage, which has played host to the greatest drivers in the WRC, once again thrilled the crowds, serving as the finale to long and hard fought rally. With an extra five points up for grabs to the fastest driver over the stage, the jumps were high and long. However, it was M-Sport’s Ott Tanak who secured those points. Despite earlier misfortune in the event, he was on the power here. He completed the stage in 6.38.3s.

Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry Neuville did his utmost to claim stage victory, but in the end he was a mere 0.4s off the pace of Tanak. His position earns him an extra four points. Third fastest over the stage was Elfyn Evans, who was 1.5s off the lead.

The big winner was undoubtedly M-Sport’s Sebastien Ogier. He brought his brand-new Fiesta over the line fifth fastest, a pace that was more than enough for him to secure the win of the rally overall – the first time he’s claimed victory in the north of Portugal.

In WRC2 the final stage of the rally brought change for everyone competing. Skoda Motorsport’s Andreas Mikkelsen rolled his Fabia 1km into the stage. He wasn’t able to continue. This of course was good news for the other drivers. Pontus Tidemand wins the WRC2 class while Teemu Suninen claims second. Simone Tempestini was third in WRC2.