Salou (Spain) (AFP)

Sébastien Ogier, 4th in the Rally of Catalonia / Spain, won on Sunday by Thierry Neuville, did not convert his first chance for an 8th world title but remains a solid leader before the final against his rival Elfyn Evans, in November at Monza.

World Final at Monza, Season 2: like last year, it is at the last rally of the year, in Italy from November 19 to 21, that the WRC title will be played, with Ogier (Toyota) being the favorite at his own succession with another 17 points ahead of Evans (Toyota).

In the meantime, the Belgian Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), five times vice-world champion but never crowned, offered himself a 15th victory in the WRC.

On Catalan asphalt, he was untouchable on Friday afternoon and Saturday, before managing his lead on Sunday even though he was scared because of a mechanical problem just before the last special.

The Belgian also signs his 50th podium, victories included, a threshold also reached by Dani Sordo (Hyundai), 3rd Sunday.

Neuville consolidates its 3rd place in the championship but already had no chance of being titled before Catalonia.

- Ogier: "I aimed higher" -

Only Evans can still deprive Ogier of an 8th title, having reduced his delay by seven units to maintain the suspense until the end.

For the seven-time French world champion, the lead remains comfortable despite this disappointment, while he was aiming for victory.

The Belgian Thierry Neuville at the rally of Catalonia in Salou on October 16, 2021 Pau BARRENA AFP

"Of course, when I arrived here, I was aiming for better. But despite this complicated weekend, we did what was necessary for the championship," he said.

In December 2020, Ogier had arrived at Monza in second, 14 points behind Evans.

But the hopes of the Welshman's first coronation had ended their road, like his Toyota Yaris, in an embankment.

Evans was divided after his performance in Catalonia: "on the one hand I am satisfied, but on the other frustrated, it was not a perfect weekend".

In a month's time, the event on the grounds of the legendary Monza circuit, which also hosts Formula 1 near Milan, will be special in more than one way: decisive for the coronation, it will also mark the end of an era for Ogier.

The Frenchman has decided to move away from the discipline and will only take part in a few rallies next year, starting with Monte-Carlo in January.

Without the possibility of equaling the record of nine world titles held by another Frenchman, Sébastien Loeb.

Monza will also be the last rally for its faithful co-driver Julien Ingrassia, who will not be accompanying Ogier next year and will want to conclude their rich collaboration with an 8th coronation.

- Neuville, unexpected ally -

Before turning to other horizons in 2022, probably the 24 Hours of Le Mans he dreams of competing, Ogier therefore has a job to complete, at 37 years old.

And in this quest, failing to win himself on the Catalan asphalt, the French could count in Catalonia on an unexpected ally with Neuville, his rival Hyundai, who deprived Evans of victory.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing of French Sébastien Ogier at the rally of Catalonia in Salou on October 16, 2021 Pau BARRENA AFP

While everything smiled on him in the Catalan mountains, the Belgian was scared during the last regroup, before the 17th and last special.

In an amateur video relayed by the WRC website, he was seen pushing his car to start it, while flames were coming out of the back of his Hyundai.

"Unfortunately, a lot of stress before the last special, again. I'm really disappointed about that because otherwise the weekend would have been perfect and pleasant," said Neuville, still relieved, after taking his father. in the arms.

He then climbed to his 50th podium in the WRC.

© 2021 AFP