Causses Country – SS9: Conner Martell snatches the lead from Sarah Rumeau by a few tenths of a second

A dramatic turn of events in Aveyron! Having led since SS2, Sarah Rumeau has relinquished the lead. Rally Terre des Causses to his teammate Conner Martell during the penultimate stage. The American will start the final stage with a tiny advantage of three-tenths of a second, promising an even closer final than at Castine.

Road conditions improved significantly for this second run, with much better grip than in the morning. Despite a solid performance and a considerably improved time, Sarah Rumeau had to concede to Conner Martell's speed. There's a lot more grip. We're improving quite a bit, trying to be smart, to set a rhythm while remaining clean. " she confided.

The new rally leader, however, managed to shave off the tenths of a second needed to overtake him, but at the cost of his tires. It's tough, my tires are overheating. We had to slow down in the last quarter of the stage, I hope they'll hold up for the final one. "With only a 0,3 second lead overall, SS10 promises to be thrilling."

The stage win went to Matthieu and Mathilde Margaillan. Battling for third place, the crew put maximum pressure on Florent Todeschini, who seemed powerless: I can't do any better " he said, frustrated. With the gap now only 20,5 seconds, the final podium positions will be decided in the last few kilometers.

The penultimate special stage was also marked by Cédric Rabasse's puncture, which cost him five minutes changing a wheel, while Damien Mattei was forced to retire after a wheel came off.

Everything will be decided from 16:08 PM onwards. Will Martell manage to hold off Rumeau's comeback despite overheating tires, or will her teammate make history? Will Margaillan manage to snatch third place from Todeschini? The final promises to be action-packed.

CFR Terre 2026 – Rallye Terre des Causses
The provisional classification of SS9

CFR Terre 2026 – Rallye Terre des Causses
The provisional general after ES9

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