WRC 2024 result after Round 4: Croatia Rally

Toyota Gazoo Racing World Rally Team continued its 2024 FIA World Rally Championship campaign with a fourth consecutive win of the Croatia Rally. Sébastien Ogier led Elfyn Evans into a one-two finish on this challenging asphalt event, so how does this WRC 2024 result affect the overall championship?

WRC 2024 result: Croatia Rally

Croatia joined the WRC schedule three years ago and Toyota has won each of these asphalt-based events. So the pressure was on to maintain that tradition and extend the team’s existing lead in the manufacturers’ championship.

After Thursday’s shakedown and ceremonial start in the capital Zagreb, the rally began on Friday. This was the longest day, consisting of four morning stages repeated in reverse order in the afternoon. Rain in the lead-up to the event meant that grip levels were more changeable than the day’s dry, sunny weather suggested.

Road position was therefore an important factor, and Elfyn Evans capitalised on reasonably clean roads to achieve second in his GR Yaris Rally1 Hybrid. Meanwhile Sébastien Ogier faced dirtier conditions running sixth but still managed to achieve third in his first day of competition since Rallye Monte-Carlo in January. In the afternoon, Evans finished the day in joint first place. But the most notable drive came from Ogier, who completed the final stage more than nine seconds faster than anybody else!

Another two loops of four stages were conducted on Saturday. Rain was expected, so tyre strategy proved to be a key topic. Indeed, all competitors in the top category chose wet tyres for the morning loop even though the weather ultimately stayed dry. Margins between the top three – Neuville, Evans and Ogier – were incredibly close, with first and third separated by around 11 seconds. And that tight order remained into the afternoon, with the team opting for a mixed package of soft and wet tyres in an attempt to strategise for weather that couldn’t quite decide to make up its mind.

Evans and Ogier maintained the pressure into the final day, though a dramatic second stage saw the lead driver and Evans lose time in accidents. Fortunately, Evans survived his spin without major damage to the Yaris and was able to retain his position. But the fallout created an opportunity for Ogier, who seized it and squeezed through into the lead.

Ogier held on to that advantage through the rest of the day, claiming the 59th victory and 100th podium of his WRC career and increasing Toyota’s advantage in the manufacturers’ championship. Evans concluded less than ten seconds behind in second, his third podium in four rounds. This finish elevated the Welshman to just six points from the lead in the drivers’ championship.

Meanwhile, Takamoto Katsuta improved his pace and confidence throughout the event alongside co-driver Aaron Johnston. He topped the separate Super Sunday classification and climbed up to finish fifth overall.

WRC 2024 result in Round 4: Croatia Rally

WRC 2024 championship standings: drivers and co-drivers

Where is the WRC heading next?

Round five sees the WRC juggernaut move west for Rally de Portugal, which takes place on 9-12 May. This popular event is based near Porto in the north of the county and features classic stages on sandy and rocky roads.