Tailored by the Tänak hare (Toyota) during the opening night, King Ogier took the reins of the race, this Friday in Gap. But the threat Neuville (Hyundai) only points to 2 seconds while Loeb (Hyundai) can still aim for the podium. And the leader is Sébastien Ogier!
The six-time world rally champion took the lead in the inaugural round of the WRC season in the penultimate special stage of the second day (SS7), after setting the fastest time of the previous two stages.
He also benefited from an error of Thierry Neuville, leader before him, who lost 15 seconds in an all-right in the fifth stage.
Sébastien Loeb also signed two scratch times (ES4, ES7) but lost time on several occasions (ES6, ES8), penalised by his choice of tires.
Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) completes the provisional podium at 1’17”7 Ogier, who this Sunday a seventh success in the Monegasque event that would put him up to the record of Loeb.
THE OVERALL CLASSIFICATION AFTER THE 2ND STAGE:
1.Sebastien Ogier – Julien Ingrassia (FRA / Citroen C3 WRC) ……………………………. 1h37 ‘ 17”3
2.Thierry Neuville – Nicolas Gilsoul (BEL / Hyundai i20 WRC) ………………………….. at 2 ”
3.Andreas Mikkelsen – Anders Jaeger Amland (NOR / Hyundai i20 WRC) …………. at 1’17”7
4.Jari-Matti Latvala – Mikka Anttila ( FIN / Toyota Yaris WRC) ………………………………. at 1’25”1
5.Sebastien Loeb – Daniel Elena (FRA-MON / Hyundai i20 WRC) ………………….. at 1’25”9