Hänninen solid, Bouffier on the attack

Juho Hänninen (Skoda Fabia S2000), after SS6 of Rally Monte-Carlo is more than ever leader of the opening event of the IRC. The Finn certainly lost time in the special stage linking the Cimetière de Vassieux and the Col de Gaudissart, but his first place is not in question, since he has a lead of more than fifty seconds over his pursuers. “I was careful in this special, I didn't attack too much and it was difficult to get into a good rhythm,” he commented at the end of the special.

He is now followed by Petter Solberg (Peugeot 207 S2000, +51??5), author of the second stage in SS6. The Norwegian thus managed to overtake Freddy Loix (Skoda Fabia S2000) and take second place overall. But the 2003 World Champion remains cautious. “Competitors are bringing snow and gravel onto the road so it won't be easy this afternoon,” he explained after the first of the two loops.

Stéphane Sarrazin (Peugeot 207 S2000), fourth in the general classification, is also close to catching Freddy Loix. The Peugeot driver is less than two seconds (1?9) behind the Belgian but was not satisfied with his time in SS6. “It was snowing a little, I saw flakes and I had to slow down a little,” confided the Cévennes pilot.

He has more than thirty seconds ahead of a group of three crews separated by six tenths: Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia S2000), Guy Wilks (Skoda Fabia S2000) and Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot 207 S2000). The latter struck a big blow in SS6 by setting the best time, and what's more on his home turf. “The car works well, it’s a satisfaction. Now, I hope to be able to improve my ranking,” whispered the Drômois.

From 16 p.m., the drivers will complete the second loop of the day, made up of the two special stages contested in the middle of the day.