SS3: Neuville resists but loses ground

Thierry Neuville (Peugeot) suffered a spin in the first special of the 2nd stage. He still has a short lead over his direct pursuer Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot), back in 2nd position in the standings.

Published on 13/05/2011 à 10:32

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The Belgian at the head of the Tour de Corse was only able to achieve the 7th fastest time, finishing 13??3 behind Guy Wilks (Peugeot ), author of the ES3 scratch. Thierry Neuville now only has a 1??4 lead over Bryan Bouffier, his new direct pursuer, after a good time from the Frenchman who finished 2??3 behind the best time.

Guy Wilks climbs into 3rd position after this scratch and is ahead of Jan Kopecky (Skoda) by 7??8 after a 6th time achieved by the Czech (+12??2). He is followed by two other Skoda drivers, Andreas Mikkelsen and Freddy Loix, who are ahead of Pierre Campana, author of the 5th fastest time of SS3 (+10??1).

The Peugeot driver could be satisfied with his result but he was disappointed not to be able to do better. “ I had brake problems at the start and end of the special », Explains the Bastiais on arrival. Bruno Magalhaes (Peugeot) experienced the same problems and fell to 9th place behind Toni Gardemeister (Skoda).