WRC Chile: Oliver Solberg leads Elfyn Evans as overnight rain provides curveball

WRC champion Elfyn Evans has stated that the additional tyre allocation for Rally Chile is crucial in lowering the risk of failures on the abrasive gravel stages. The FIA has increased the tyre count from 28 to 36 tyres for the event, providing crews with a choice between a maximum of 16 soft and 28 hard Hankook tyres. This regulation change aims to prevent a repetition of the punctures and tyre delaminations that occurred during Rally Paraguay last month.

Hankook attributes the failures to long stage loops, unexpected high temperatures, and rough conditions. Chile's stages have a history of high puncture risks, with the 2023 event experiencing several tyre failures for Pirelli. Drivers have largely welcomed the increased allocation, recognizing the challenging nature of the rally's demanding stages.

Toyota's Evans noted that the rally presents a difficult task for tyre wear, with Saturday's afternoon stages posing particular challenges. Hyundai's Thierry Neuville echoed this sentiment, stating that the extra tyres will help decrease the risk of delaminations, which were an issue in the rough gravel rallies, particularly in Paraguay.

However, not all drivers support the additional rubber, with Toyota's Oliver Solberg expressing disappointment, as he is typically proficient with tyres.