Rally Turkey: Slow and steady wins the race

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - The best strategy to carry racers in Rally Turkey 2019 to the top place of the podium is "the steadier the better", the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) ahead of Friday's real road-action.

"Turkey is an old-school rough rally that’s won as much with the head as with a heavy right foot," the competition said.

Contrary to the aggressive nature of rally racing, the technical, twisty and rocky roads of the Turkish stages make crews take a more conservative approach. This was how Ott Tanak became last year's winner in his relatively low-pace Toyota Yaris -- keeping a stable car and staying on the middle of the road.

Meanwhile, Thierry Neuville, Sebastien Ogier and Andreas Mikkelsen paid the price of excessive speed, crashing their vehicles and breaking some parts.

Oppressive temperatures will also be a trying factor for racers, who will need to keep their engines and tires from overheating as lower speeds will translate into less chances for natural cooling.

It will be the competitors' abilities to manage these difficulties that will determine whether Tanak will remain on top with his "steady" strategy, or be bested by one of his opponents for the championship battle.