ERC – Kubica loses Azores lead to Kopecky

The fog disrupted the party in the Azores this Friday, during the second day counting for the European Rally Championship (ERC). Mid-stage, change in the lead of the race: Robert Kubica (Citroën DS3 RRC), very impressive since the start of the event, lost his advantage. After winning the first two scratches of the day during specials 5 and 6, the former driver of Formula 1 suffered a puncture during the 7 special, forcing him to cover the last 3 kilometers in great difficulty and thus offering his great rival at the time, Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia S2000), a first scratch of the weekend. end.

When the 8th special, the longest of the rally, began, rain and fog arrived. Not comfortable in these conditions, the Pole lost more than a minute against Bernardo Sousa (Ford Fiesta RRC), author of the best time, and against the Czech. As a result, the reigning IRC vice-champion took control of the general classification, Robert Kubica having fallen to sixth position, 1'04"5 behind the leader. There are still 4 special stages to be run this Friday, and the suspense in this rally is completely rekindled.