Ogier began the day just 16.9 seconds behind Tänak, but the Estonian stormed through with five stage wins out of six. By the end of the day, Tänak had extended his lead to 43.6 seconds heading into Sunday.
“I tried to put some pressure, but today Ott has been driving very well. When he’s driving like that, combined with the start position and a better tyre package this morning, let’s say there was not much we could really do,” Ogier admitted.
“I think if you push in these rough conditions, then it becomes a lottery. That’s why I was saying this afternoon that I was just controlling my speed and trying to stay where I am. And with a gap over 30 seconds anyway, it would have been stupid to go for a full attack. I’m happy with my day.”
Ogier and Tänak are now battling for victory in a WRC rally for the third time in a row. The Frenchman won in Portugal and Sardinia, but this time the Estonian seems to be pulling away. However, nearly 100 kilometres of stages remain on Sunday, and conditions are not expected to get any easier.
Ogier believes Tänak won’t ease off too much despite the advantage.
“We have had so many fights together and they are always very enjoyable. They are always intense because Ott has only one mode, and managing is not really his thing. It’s just pushing, pushing, pushing always,” Ogier remarked with a sigh.
“It’s not always the strategy to win Rally Acropolis though. But so far, it’s working for him.I don’t wish him any bad luck, to be honest. He’s my friend. He has been doing very well today. But tomorrow—we were mentioning before the start of the weekend—even if you have a one-minute lead on Saturday night, I don’t think you can feel relaxed here.”
