ADVERTISEMENTEstonian Ott Tanak snatched victory for Ford at the German Rally on Sunday, taking first place ahead of Citroen’s Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen, as world champion Sebastien Ogier reclaimed top spot in the overall standings.
The 29-year-old Tanak took charge of the asphalt rally on Saturday when Thierry Neuville suffered broken suspension, and held on to his lead to win by 16.4 seconds.
Neuville had arrived in Germany as the WRC leader but dropped out on Saturday morning when his Hyundai’s left-rear suspension and transmission snapped.
It was Tanak’s second rally win of the season after he triumphed in Italy in June.
France’s Ogier, the reigning world champion, finished a further 14 seconds behind in third place for Ford.
The result was good enough to move Ogier, who has won the last four championships, above Neuville and into the overall lead with three races left in the championship.