**2015 Rally Australia**
**Definition:**
The 2015 Rally Australia was the final round of the 2015 World Rally Championship (WRC) season, held in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales. It was the twelfth and last event of the championship, featuring challenging gravel stages and decisive battles for the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles.
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## 2015 Rally Australia
The 2015 Rally Australia, officially known as the 22nd Coates Hire Rally Australia, was the twelfth and final round of the 2015 World Rally Championship (WRC) season. The event took place from November 12 to November 15, 2015, based in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. It featured a total of 21 special stages covering 304.10 competitive kilometers on gravel roads. The rally was notable for its demanding terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and its role in deciding the final standings of the 2015 WRC season.
### Background
Rally Australia has been a staple of the World Rally Championship calendar since its inception in 1988, with the event traditionally held in the state of New South Wales. The 2015 edition marked the 22nd running of the rally and the seventh time it was based in Coffs Harbour, a coastal city known for its forested and rugged gravel roads. The rally is renowned for its fast, flowing stages through dense eucalyptus forests, which can be slippery and challenging, especially when wet.
The 2015 season had been fiercely competitive, with multiple drivers and manufacturers vying for the championship titles. Heading into Rally Australia, the drivers’ championship was still open, with Sébastien Ogier of Volkswagen Motorsport leading the standings but closely pursued by his rivals. The manufacturers’ championship was also undecided, adding extra significance to the final round.
### Entry List and Teams
The 2015 Rally Australia attracted a strong field of competitors, including all the major factory teams: Volkswagen Motorsport, Hyundai Motorsport, and Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT. The entry list featured top drivers such as Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala, Andreas Mikkelsen (all driving for Volkswagen), Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo (Hyundai), and Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg (Citroën).
In addition to the main WRC category, the rally also included entries from the WRC-2 and WRC-3 support championships, featuring a mix of privateers and emerging talents competing in less powerful cars.
### Route and Stages
The 2015 Rally Australia route consisted of 21 special stages, totaling 304.10 kilometers of competitive driving. The stages were primarily gravel, characterized by a combination of fast straights, tight corners, and narrow forest tracks. The rally was spread over four days:
– **Day 1 (Thursday, November 12):** The event began with a short super special stage in Coffs Harbour, designed to entertain spectators and set the initial running order.
– **Day 2 (Friday, November 13):** Competitors tackled a series of stages in the northern forests, including the popular „Bellingen” and „Dorrigo” stages, known for their technical challenges.
– **Day 3 (Saturday, November 14):** The longest day featured multiple stages in the challenging „Nambucca” and „Urunga” areas, with varying weather conditions affecting grip levels.
– **Day 4 (Sunday, November 15):** The final day included the decisive Power Stage, a 12.01-kilometer test in the „Bellingen” area, offering bonus championship points to the fastest drivers.
Weather conditions during the rally varied, with some stages affected by rain, making the gravel roads slippery and increasing the risk of accidents and mechanical issues.
### Event Summary
The 2015 Rally Australia was marked by intense competition and several dramatic moments. Sébastien Ogier, the reigning world champion, entered the event with a strong chance to secure his third consecutive title. He demonstrated consistent pace throughout the rally, managing to avoid major mistakes and mechanical problems.
Volkswagen Motorsport dominated the event, with Ogier, Latvala, and Mikkelsen all running at the front. Latvala showed strong speed but was hampered by a puncture and other minor issues. Mikkelsen also faced challenges but remained competitive.
Hyundai Motorsport drivers Thierry Neuville and Dani Sordo pushed hard to challenge Volkswagen’s dominance. Neuville, in particular, was a contender for the runner-up position in the drivers’ championship and sought to maximize points. Citroën’s Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg also aimed to finish the season on a high note, though they struggled with reliability and pace compared to the leading teams.
The rally saw several retirements and incidents, including crashes and mechanical failures, which influenced the final classification. The changing weather conditions added an extra layer of complexity, forcing teams to make strategic tire choices and adapt their driving styles.
### Results
Sébastien Ogier won the 2015 Rally Australia, securing his third consecutive World Rally Championship title. His victory was a testament to his skill, consistency, and the strength of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC. Jari-Matti Latvala finished second, completing a Volkswagen one-two finish, while Thierry Neuville took third place for Hyundai Motorsport.
The Power Stage was won by Sébastien Ogier, earning him additional championship points and further solidifying his lead in the drivers’ standings.
### Championship Impact
The outcome of the 2015 Rally Australia confirmed Sébastien Ogier as the 2015 World Rally Champion, marking his third consecutive title. Volkswagen Motorsport clinched the manufacturers’ championship, continuing their dominance in the WRC during this period.
Thierry Neuville’s third-place finish helped him secure second place in the drivers’ championship, while Jari-Matti Latvala completed the top three in the final standings. The rally also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Hyundai Motorsport, which was establishing itself as a strong contender in the championship.
### Legacy
The 2015 Rally Australia was widely regarded as a fitting conclusion to a highly competitive WRC season. The event showcased the skill of the world’s best rally drivers and the technological advancements of the top teams. It also reinforced Rally Australia’s reputation as a challenging and exciting event on the WRC calendar.
The success of the 2015 edition helped maintain the rally’s status as a key fixture in the championship and contributed to the ongoing popularity of rallying in Australia and worldwide.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2015 Rally Australia was the final round of the 2015 World Rally Championship, held in Coffs Harbour, featuring challenging gravel stages and decisive battles for the drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles. Sébastien Ogier won the event and secured his third consecutive world championship.