Thierry Neuville takes Sardinia lead for Hyundai

Hyundai finished Friday with a one-two at the Sardinia Rally, giving Thierry Neuville the early advantage at the final round of the season. The result also leaves Adrien Fourmaux in position to challenge his team-mate when the rally resumes.

Neuville leads Fourmaux by 0.4 seconds after seven stages. The Frenchman briefly moved in front by setting the fastest time on the fifth stage, but Neuville regained the advantage with the quickest runs on the final two tests. Oliver Solberg is third for Toyota, 12.3 seconds off the lead. Hyundai’s strong opening day follows effective tyre management from Neuville, who said he still had room to feel more comfortable and push harder in the car.

The standings also keep the world title fight open. Elfyn Evans, who arrived in Sardinia leading the championship, is only sixth after Friday, while team-mate Solberg remains in contention to overtake him. Sami Pajari is fifth and also retains a chance of claiming his first world title. The rally is the season finale after the Saudi Arabian round was cancelled because of the situation in the Gulf.

Sébastien Ogier is fourth, 37.4 seconds behind Neuville. The nine-time world champion cannot win the championship, but remains focused on a sixth Sardinia Rally victory. A puncture affected his opening day.