Because im bored at work at the moment and we are basically half way through the season im making a little longer review.
Ogier: so the first time after Monte the champ had the car like he wants. Didnt hear him complain at all about the car or set-up. i was afraid when he gets things to his liking he would blitz the field and no one has a chance but it wasnt the case. Yes, he was fast and he won but it was more due to others having problems or making mistakes. Now it is much harder to beat him in the championship when he has things to his liking, the others have to try a lot more but it is far from over.
Tänak: Just watched the onboard comparison between Tänak and Ogier from stage 12. Before the mistake Tänak was 5 secs up on him. Very clean and nice driving from Tänak on that stage up to that little mistake but you dont need much to ruin your rally. After rally Tänak said that the set-up was the best he has had this season but the problem for him is still the understeer and because of that he already had couple of moments before and that mistake on SS12. They will have a 2 days test next week and he is trying to fix the understeer to not make silly mistakes again. So definitely theres even more speed to come from him this season. But he is being very honest and says that he just isnt good enough at the moment to win. His aim is TOP3 in the end of the season.
for those who havent seen Tänak's mistake it is here
http://sport.err.ee/597196/video-kas...rustuse-lohkus
Neuville: portugal isnt his favourite place but still a very good rally for him and great speed like always. Great power stage points again and will be giving Ogier a run for his money as long as he isnt making a mistake. Great battle ahead.
Latvala: like Tänak, ruined his rally with a silly mistake. Overall a very good season so far, still has a shot for the championship IF Toyota can keep it up with the others and he isnt making anymore mistakes. Definitely needs some wins to keep up the championship hopes But in reality i think he and Tänak will battle for the third place in WDC.
Sordo: quiet 3rd place IMO, he is going really well this season, great to see after so many fans have written him down.
Paddon: Shame about the problems, he was a real contender for the win IMO. Some breathtaking splits and stage times before his problems. i hope his luck returns for rest of the season and great to see that the speed has been back now for couple of rallies, but yeah, that rotten luck.
Breen: this guy never stops impressing, he is just progressing so nicely. for sure he is gonna have some podiums this season and big future ahead. I hope he will the best placed Citroen driver in the end of the season and i see no reason why he cant be if he continues like that.
Evans: has surprised me many times this season with his speed. but we will see how he goes on if the season progresses. The pattern with him every season is that he is very good in the beginning of the season at special rallies but when the championship returns to europe and to normal and faster gravel rallies then he tends to fade away.
Lappi: did exactly like i was expecting from him. Nothing special but not bad either. Great power stage! Will be interesting to see his progression through the season.
Havent got to say anything special about Meeke, Lefebvre, Hanninen and Ostberg other than Mads has also surprised me couple of times.
so half way through the season the TOP3 drivers i would have in my team are Ogier, Tänak and Neuville and what a team that would be!