Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin clinched victory at Secto rally Finland to clear more chances for the championship title chase.
The welshman gradually consolidated his intent for a second victory at the fast and famous event after he protected his lead which he claimed from team-mate Kalle Rovanperä who rolled his Yaris to end his contention on Friday.
Evans stamped his victory by scooping the maximum Wolf power stage points to spice his seventh career victory.
“It’s been a pretty good weekend. Of course we’re sorry for the loss of Kalle at the start of the rally but after that it’s been really fantastic to drive this car – it’s such a joy to be behind the wheel of on these roads and we’re really happy with this one,” he said.
“It’s been a fantastic atmosphere and great to have the support behind us. Of course, in terms of the championship it’s also not bad and we close the gap,” he added.
Evans is now trailing championship leader Rovanpera by 25points.
Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville attempt to chase the Yaris but could not do more than settling for second overall. Neuville remains third in the championship.
Takamoto Katsuta could not ask for more after fazing off Teemu Suninen to complete the podium positions in what is like a home event to him. It is Takamoto’s fourth career podium.
Jari-Matti Latvala achieved exactly what he asked for, a finish and having fun as much as he could on his first experience of The Hybrid Rally1 car. Him and Juhu Hanninen completed the top five.
Oliver Solberg in a Skoda Fabia finished sixth overall. Solberg was not scoring towards the WRC2 category for the weekend.
Sami Pajari secured the WRC2 category win and finishing seventh followed by Adrien Fourmaux and Nikolay Gryazin.
