Crash between Bakkerud and Timmy Hansen in Abu Dhabi

Timmy Hansen (Peugeot 208) was still aiming for maximum points in Q3 of the World RX in Abu Dhabi, but his weekend deteriorated when Andreas Bakkerud (Audi S1) hit his left door at the exit of the joker lap. The Swede set the 7th time while the former EKS resident retired, but the Lioness's hoop could be damaged which would mean abandonment for the rest of the event. The team finally confirmed the retirement of Timmy Hansen.

Kevin Hansen (Peugeot 208) was responsible for signing the reference ahead of Krisztian Szabo (Audi S1) and Janis Baumanis (Ford Fiesta). Cyril Raymond (Renault Clio RS) only set the 10th fastest time ahead of his teammate Guillaume de Ridder after they lost time in traffic. Guerlain Chicherit (Renault Megane RS) only finished 14th after missing his start. Oliver Bennett (Mini Cooper) retired after rolling over.

Timmy Hansen reste aux commandes du classement même s’il ne poursuivra plus le meeting suite aux dégâts sur sa 208. Son frère Kevin est le mieux classé en 2e position en précédant Niclas Grönholm (Hyundai i20). Le Top 5 est complété par Janis Baumanis et Kriszian Szabo qui devancent Timo Scheider et Andreas Bakkerud dont l’Audi a également été fortement endommagée après l’accident alors que la Q4 sera disputée dans moins d’une heure.

Guerlain Chicherit is the last provisional qualifier, behind Timur Timerzyanov, Rokas Baciszka (Skoda Fabia), Anton Marklund (Renault Mégane RS) and Reinis Nitiss (Hyundai i20). GCK Academy drivers Cyril Raymond and Guillaume de Ridder will have a hard time qualifying for the semi-finals.