Jan Kopecky emerges from tight fight

The contenders are present at the Barum Rally. Jan Kopecky is the first real leader of the event but the competition follows the Czech's pace.

Published on 27/08/2011 à 12:44

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Jan Kopecky (Skoda) finished mid-stage of the first day in the lead of the Barum Rally held on his home soil. The Czech has a lead of 5??8 over Andreas Mikkelsen (Skoda), while Guy Wilks is responsible for integrating Peugeot in the top three, trailing the Norwegian by 5??9.

After a cautious start, Bryan Bouffier (Peugeot) seemed to find the right rhythm by moving up to fourth place after the first five special stages. The Frenchman is only eight tenths behind the Briton.

Juho Hänninen (Skoda) lacked pace in this first morning. But the Finn recovered by moving up to fifth place, threatening Bryan Bouffier by coming back to 1?9 behind the Peugeot driver. Freddy Loix (Skoda) occupies sixth position, 10?2 behind the Championship leader but has a lead of 22??4 over his compatriot Thierry Neuville (Peugeot).

The crews will leave at 15 p.m. to compete in four more stages.