Hyundai Motorsport has seen its hopes of fighting for the FIA World #rally Championship Manufacturers’ title completely eradicated after another hugely disappointing result in #rally de España. Following a double retirement for #danisordo and Andreas Mikkelsen on Saturday afternoon, it was #thierryneuville who suffered misfortune on the final morning. The Belgian was forced to stop at the end of SS16 (Santa Marina) after sustaining damage to the front right of his #hyundai #i20coupewrc after cutting a corner. It was a bitter blow for the team in both championships, as the non-score drops Neuville to third place in the drivers’ standings behind M-Sport duo Sébastien Ogier and Ott Tanak. Sordo and Mikkelsen both re-joined under #rally 2 regulations on Sunday morning but were classified down the order. The result means that #hyundai Motorsport has 275 points in the Manufacturers’ Championship, an 83-point deficit to M-Sport with two rounds remaining and 86 points up for grabs. Sunday morning saw crews tackle six stages – a repeat loop of the 6.28km L’Albiol, 16.35km Riudecanyes and 14.50km Santa Marina tests – with no mid-leg service. The second run through Santa Marina acted as the rally’s Power Stage with drivers vying for extra points. Home hero Sordo showcased what might have been this weekend with a determined Power Stage victory, securing himself five consolatory points.
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