Sesks impressed last season in the World Championship rounds in Poland and in his home event, and much was expected of him this year. The Latvian put together a seven-rally WRC programme, but the results have been underwhelming.
In Saudi Arabia, however, there have been signs of last season’s rising star, although Sesks has admittedly also benefitted from his starting position. Still, his pace has at long last been what people have come to expect from him.
Sesks lies third in the rally, only 6.9 seconds behind rally leader, Hyundai driver Adrien Fourmaux. Second-placed Toyota driver Sami Pajari is just 0.9 seconds ahead. Sesks also led the rally on Thursday, but a puncture cost enough time to prevent the Latvian from reaching the overnight halt in first place.
“It just feels right. The car is turning and everything is working. As I have said, I have done nothing differently than I have done before,” Sesks said.
“I think that the pace we had was good. Let’s see how it is tomorrow. We enjoyed. I don’t know what’s different. So I cannot tell you what I’ll do tomorrow because we are always doing the same.”
Sesks couldn’t immediately say whether anything in his own performance has changed. At least he said he came into the event without pressure.
“Perhaps it helps that there are no expectations, no testing, nothing. Maybe these three months off weren’t too bad,” Sesks summarised.
“Actually I am feeling that I’m driving like I always do. It just feels quite natural. And it feels good in the car.”
