More drama in European Rally Championship title fight

Franceschi is battling for this year’s ERC title against defending champion Hayden Paddon. The New Zealander, Paddon, dropped out of the points on Saturday at the historic Zlin Rally in the Czech Republic, giving Franceschi a golden opportunity to make his move.

However, things took a turn for the worse for the Frenchman on Sunday. On the first stage of the morning, Franceschi’s Skoda suffered two punctures in challenging conditions. To make matters worse, another tyre failed on the following stage, leaving Franceschi with no choice but to retire as he ran out of tyres.

Television coverage captured Franceschi cursing his bad luck from inside his Skoda’s cockpit, visibly distraught. Without these issues, he could have taken the lead in the ERC standings ahead of Paddon.

Paddon, showing sportsmanship, offered his support to his rival before the final stage of the morning loop.

“I saw Franceschi and shook his hand, devastated for him. He is a very fast and talented young driver, and he shouldn’t give up. We thought it was all over yesterday, but it’s swings and roundabouts. It can change around so quickly,” Paddon remarked.

Czech driver Dominik Stritesky continues to lead the tarmac rally, holding a 21.4-second advantage over Austria’s Simon Wagner. Adam Brezik, Erik Cais, and Filip Mares are maintaining a strong Czech presence in the top positions.

The top 15 in the competition includes no fewer than 13 Skoda drivers. Mares, in fifth place, is driving a Toyota, while Hyundai’s Paddon is clinging to the final points position in 15th.

The Czech ERC round has three more stages scheduled for Sunday.

Czech Rally Zlin standings after SS12/15: