In what was a strong weekend for the Hyundai Motorsport team, local driver Dani Sordo took second place in the 2016 Rally Catalunya – Rally de Espana.
The Spanish driver recorded his second podium finish of the season, putting him fifth in the overall standings on 111 points. He also collected third in the power stage, his first point in the sprint since April.
Sadly for Sordo he could not do enough to catch Sébastien Ogier. The newly crowned champion finished fifteen seconds up the road, his third victory in as many rallies.
“It’s been an incredible weekend and I cannot thank the fans enough for all the support.” said Sordo. “I can honestly say we did our best today but we just couldn’t do anything to stop Sébastien. I have to extend my congratulations to him.”
The home hero had started Sunday 5.8 seconds down on the leader, but that gap only increased as the four-time champion broke away.
“We wanted so much to take the win for the team and the fans but he was too strong. Still, to finish in second place after such a competitive event is something to be proud of. It’s our second podium of the season and we worked really hard for it. I have been generally very happy with the feeling we’ve had in the car, both on gravel and asphalt.
The team has done a fantastic job to prepare a competitive car, and it’s very encouraging that the overall result has been so positive for everyone at Hyundai Motorsport.”
He was joined on the podium by his team-mate Thierry Neuville who now goes joint second in the title battle. The Belgium driver has virtually identical results to rival Andreas Mikkelsen and is likely to take the fight to the final round in Australia.
Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “We wanted to fight for the win today but it just wasn’t to be on this occasion, however we have to be happy with this double podium. Dani has had a fantastic weekend in front of his home crowd and thoroughly deserves this result.”
