The first stage of Rally Chile had to be cancelled on Friday morning after just three cars had completed it. The remaining drivers were given notional times, which were further adjusted by the clerk of the course later that evening, after the day’s stages had concluded.
Toyota’s Elfyn Evans was among the three drivers whose notional time was improved at the end of the rally day. As a result, the Welshman moved into the lead, overtaking Hyundai’s Ott Tänak.
Read more: Rally Chile times adjusted – Evans takes the lead from Tänak
Hyundai’s WRC team protested the decision by the clerk of the course, arguing that the notional times had not been allocated fairly. According to Hyundai, Evans should have been given a slower time for the first stage.
If this adjustment had been made, Hyundai’s Ott Tänak would have regained the lead and secured a better starting position for Saturday’s stages. However, after a 45-minute hearing, the stewards decided to reject Hyundai’s protest. The hearing, which extended close to midnight, was attended by representatives from both Hyundai and Toyota.
In their ruling, the stewards stated that notional times can be determined in various ways. They concluded that the clerk of the course had assigned Evans’ time fairly and reasonably.
This decision means that Evans will start Saturday’s stages with a three-second lead over Tänak. As the last Rally1 car to start on the second day, Evans will enjoy the best road position among the top-class drivers.
Toyota’s Kalle Rovanperä is currently in third place, followed by Sami Pajari in fourth. M-Sport Ford’s Gregoire Munster will start Saturday in fifth position.
Saturday’s schedule includes six special stages.
