‘Delivered the big performance he needed’

SEBASTIEN OGIER M-SPORT FORD FIESTA

Elated by his return to the top of the table, Ogier was frustrated at the mistakes his team made in the weather and tyre calls. Showed superb sportsmanship and genuine pleasure at Loeb’s win. Bravo for that.

TEEMU SUNINEN M-SPORT FORD FIESTA

First time here and it showed for the Finn. He was only in the top 10 for one stage and struggled even on his favoured gravel. On the asphalt, he was all at sea. Needs to learn and learn quickly from last week.

ANDREAS MIKKELSEN HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT HYUNDAI i20

There was no respite from his nightmare season. The Norwegian looked lost and simply had no idea of how to or where to find some pace from the Hyundai. In the middle of all that, he went quickest in SS4. Bizarre.

SEBASTIEN LOEB TOTAL ABU DHABI CITROEN C3 WRC

There simply aren’t the superlatives for this drive. Showed again why he’s a nine-time world champ and how he’d won this event eight times. Delivered as Citroen was staring at a winless season.

JARI- MATTI LATVALA TOYOTA YARIS WRC

Reckoned a puncture cost him the win on Friday, but it was actually him hitting a barrier on Sunday that really cost him. Set some great times and looked strong, but ultimately came up short on an event where he should have delivered more.

OTT TANAK TOYOTA YARIS WRC

Definite 10/10 for the first half of the rally. Consistent and quick through day one, his charge was ruined by a puncture on Saturday morning. Just about still in the title race after a superb powerstage win.

ELFYN EVANS M-SPORT FORD FIESTA

Duly delivered the big performance needed. Struggled for the ultimate pace when the set-up was awry, but his run through the final two Sunday stages was superb – and what M-sport and Ogier needed.

THIERRY NEUVILLE HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT HYUNDAI i20

Recovered from a shakedown roll, coped with cleaning the road then drove brilliantly through Saturday. Finalstage puncture cost him his chance of a podium and more precious powerstage points in his hunt for a first title.

DANI SORDO HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT HYUNDAI i20

Solid day on the dirt to start the weekend’s asphalt action in a strong second. Remained at the races, but lost out badly in the muddy conditions on Saturday’s final test and couldn’t find the speed to re-engage on the final day.

CRAIG BREEN TOTAL ABU DHABI CITROEN C3 WRC

Running fifth with plenty of pace on Friday morning until he drops the C3 and loses the rear wing on a bank. A couple more spins on Saturday, not helped by the lack of a Tarmac test, didn’t help matters.

ESAPEKKA LAPPI TOYOTA YARIS WRC

Couldn’t find anything like the sweet spot his team-mates managed with the Yaris and found himself facing the wrong direction regularly. Spent much of the weekend looking like a man waiting for next season…

KEN BLOCK FORD FIESTA WRC

Loses five points for denying his fans the chance to see him on the weekend after he crashed on Friday evening. But picks up five for doubling up on the donuts in the Barcelona superspecial. Well, what did you expect?