After eight special stages, Hyundai’s Thierry Neuville and Toyota’s Elfyn Evans are tied for the lead in the rally. However, eight-time world champion Sebastien Ogier is lurking just 6.6 seconds behind.
Ogier was especially far from the top pace in the morning, although his starting position on the dirty tarmac was also poor. He improved in the afternoon and joined the fight for victory.
“About Seb, it must be said that when there is a long break from rallying, the start can be a bit sluggish. He is searching for that feel, and then he gets going. It’s a good thing that he picked up speed,” Toyota team principal Jari-Matti Latvala told RallyJournal.com.
“Probably the age is starting to show a bit too, and the long breaks from driving.”
Neuville started the day strongly and pulled away from the Toyota drivers. However, a puncture in the afternoon leveled the playing field.
“The morning looked a bit bad, and I wondered how this day would really go. Neuville’s start was so strong. Overall, the guys improved their pace,” Latvala reflected.
Eight special stages are scheduled for Saturday. Rain is forecasted for the day, which significantly increases the challenge of the race.
“Everyone wants to win right now. The gaps can quickly become large if it rains. Risks increase, and so does the possibility of mistakes. I really hope that our cars stay on the road tomorrow,” Latvala summarized.
“It must be remembered that when we go into difficult conditions, mistakes tend to happen. We just have to accept that. Hopefully, the weather won’t be too impossible.”
