IRC - Andreas Mikkelsen blinds his rivals

Andreas Mikkelsen had a perfect day, taking all the points in the first stage of the Sibiu Rally. The Norwegian took advantage of his position against his rivals who were slowed down by the lack of visibility caused by the clouds of dust raised.

Published on 20/07/2012 à 23:17

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IRC – Andreas Mikkelsen blinds his rivals

Andreas Mikkelsen has a large lead on the evening of the first stage of the Sibiu Rally in Romania. Despite the gap of four minutes between each car start, the Norwegian has a lead of three minutes over his closest competitors who have never been able to set the pace of the leader who benefited from good visibility. Sepp Wiegand, the defending champion's closest opponent, is 2'44 behind the leading car. “It was difficult to see in the (two) night stages with the headlights on”, comments the German.

Same story with François Delecour who occupies the third step of the provisional podium at the wheel of his Peugeot 207 S2000. The Frenchman, who took advantage of his knowledge of the route to occupy the front, was 24 seconds behind the German. “It’s so difficult. Too bad because the stages are beautiful but we can't attack because the visibility is very poor. I hope it will be better tomorrow. » Gergély Szabo (Skoda) and Valentin Porcisteanu (Mitsubishi) complete the provisional top five ahead of Patrik Flodin's Fiesta S2000.

The crews still have to cover 100km timed spread over five special stages.