Seven WRC cars to start South Estonia Rally on Sunday

Several high-level rally drivers have confirmed their participation in the South Estonia Rally, set to take place on August 23, with a total of seven WRC cars and 12 cars from the second-tier R5 series are expected to start the one-day event.
To the delight of Estonian rally fans, reigning world champion duo Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja will participate in the rally in their Hyundai i20 Coupe. Thierry Neuville and Nicholas Gilsoul are also set to represent Hyundai at the event.
In addition to the top drivers from Hyundai, the manufacturer will also bring three Hyundai i20 NG R5 cars to compete.
Director of Hyundai Motorsport Andrea Adamo said participation in the RedGrey South Estonia Rally is ideal preparation for the restart of the WRC season with Rally Estonia two weeks later (September 4-6).
Adamo said: "I've said it before but we seriously love Estonian fans and roads. I have good memories from last year's Rally Estonia, when Ott wasn't yet a part of our team. We were cheered even then, but the support was even greater at Viru Rally a couple of months ago and it is great to see that the home driver is being supported."
Reigning world champion Ott Tänak added: "We have worked hard over the hiatus and the RedGrey South Estonia Rally offers ideal conditions to get ready for the WRC round on homely roads. We are keeping our mind sharp and that ensures constant growth in the development process."
In addition to Hyundai, three competition paris of Toyota Gazoo Racing are also expected to start: six-time world champion pair of Sebastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia, British crew Elfyn Evans / Scott Martin and Finns Kalle Rovanperä / Janne Halttunen.
Evans has been in Estonia since August 4, testing the Toyota Yaris rally car on Estonian roads.
Rally fans will also see a third WRC team at South Estonia Rally: M-Sport with pairs Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm and Teemu Suninen / Jarmo Lehtinen. The former pair will race in the Ford Fiesta WRC car and Teemu Sinunen will carve the South Estonian roads in the team's Ford Fiesta R5.
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Editor: Kristjan Kallaste