Ott Tänak sets fastest time on Central European Rally shakedown

Tänak drove the 2.11-kilometre stage in a time of 1:07.8. He secured the fastest time with a two-tenths of a second advantage over Toyota’s Sebastien Ogier. Toyota’s Japanese driver, Takamoto Katsuta, finished third, just three-tenths off the pace.

“Important weekend for the world championship, we definitely need to do our best. Weather wise, it looks more consistent. I guess the Czech stages will be the most demanding,” Tänak said.

Ogier echoed the positive outlook, adding, “I am enjoying it, that’s always the plan to have fun in the car. The condition looks more consistent than last year. Let’s hope we have a good weather rally. It’s better grip, good conditions for everybody is always important to make a good race.”

Series leader Thierry Neuville finished fourth, just seven-tenths of a second off Tänak’s pace. Fifth was Sami Pajari, making his Rally1 debut on tarmac.

“Feeling good so far, great preparation last week, with a day of tests and a little rally in Austria. I enjoyed being back on tarmac. There will be a lot of spectators, lot of enjoyment for sure. We just have to keep calm and enjoy it,” Neuville shared.

Elfyn Evans took sixth, followed by Andreas Mikkelsen and Adrien Fourmaux. In WRC2, Poland’s Miko Marczyk topped the times, ahead of Yohan Rossel and Oliver Solberg.

The rally officially kicks off Thursday afternoon with a Super Special stage near Prague, followed by the first proper stage in Klatovy in the evening. Friday’s stages will run in the Czech Republic, while Saturday and Sunday’s routes cross into Germany and Austria.

Central European Rally shakedown results: