Second in qualifying in the Azores, Sébastien Loeb will start behind Andreas Mikkelsen

While the day had once again forgotten to rise in Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel in the Azores, the competitors followed a division which deserves to be repeated in WRC to avoid the hassle of scanning. After completing a few passes in the shakedown, they set off on the qualifying special (3,12 km). At the end of this, they were able to choose their position on the road for the first qualifying sessions which will take place this afternoon.

« I think the orderliness of the roadway played a role on our first lap, explained Loeb at the end of the shakedown. I had no grip and I also had to adapt to the Michelin tires which I haven't raced on for a while. I didn't take the softer ones. It was probably a mistake. It was much better afterwards. From the first meters I felt that the grip was better. » Credited with 4^e time, the Alsatian improved his performance in 2^e run, but he was beaten by Ricardo Mourra who knows the terrain perfectly with several victories.

After a short stint at service, the crews returned to the start of this section to take part in the qualifying session. Andreas Mikkelsen was the fastest with a tiny margin ahead of Loeb: 1'56''403 against 1'56''424 for the Frenchman. This allowed the Norwegian to choose his position first and he opted for 7^e. " I didn't really know what to take, explained Loeb afterwards. Andreas had to do it before us, so it was easier to start right behind him. We'll see what happens with the fog, but at least we should have similar conditions. » Erik Cais took the place after the two former world champions while Nil Solans tried a poker game by deciding to open the road.

The verdict will not be long to wait since the first stages will take place in the afternoon. 5 ES are on the program, including the two passages in the famous Sete Cidades (10,69 km). 39,42 km timed are planned while the weather does not seem to be improving.