Sydney, 19 November 2018 – Ott Tänak carried off the top accolade at Monday evening’s star-studded WRC Gala Night awards in Sydney for the third consecutive season.
The Estonian was voted WRC Driver of the Yearby fans on the FIA World Rally Championship’s official wrc.com website. His co-driver and fellow countryman, Martin Järveoja, was named WRC Co-driver of the Year.
The pair enjoyed a superb first season with Toyota Gazoo Racing. They won four rounds to catapult themselves into title contention ahead of last weekend’s enthralling finale at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.
Tänak’s pace also netted the award for Most Stage Wins. His tremendous charge into the title fight during the second half of the year was rewarded with the Michelin Magic Moment award for consecutive victories in Finland, Germany and Turkey.
Thierry Neuville was another big winner. The Belgian landed the ANONIMO Timing Feat Awardfor his breathtaking victory at Rally Italia Sardegna, when he overhauled Sébastien Ogier in a thrilling Power Stage shootout to win by 0.7sec.
The Hyundai Shell Mobis driver also lifted theOneBet Jump of the Year award for a spectacular leap at Rally Sweden’s famous Colin’s Crest. Neuville clipped a bank on take-off and flew more than 30 metres in an alarming corkscrew before slamming back to earth on two wheels.
Almost 250 guests, including drivers and co-drivers, team bosses and championship officials, celebrated the most exciting championship season in a generation in the New South Wales capital.
They were joined by city dignitaries, including New South Wales’ Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Adam Marshall, for the star-studded evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art, overlooking the Opera House and in the shadow of the famous Harbour Bridge.
Other award winners included Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, who celebrated their sixth world title with fastest time in the Rally Australia Power Stage the previous day. That earned the Frenchmen the trophy for Most Power Stage Points.
Team-mate Elfyn Evans’ unselfish support during Ogier’s campaign was rewarded with the Asahi Kasei Spirit of the Season award. Evans serviced his own Ford Fiesta in Turkey while his M-Sport Ford mechanics were focused on repairing Ogier’s stricken car.
The event was organised by WRC Promoter and Kennards Hire Rally Australia.
