Martins Sesks easy leader in Liepaja

Run in uncertain weather, the first stage of Liepaja saw the domination of Martin Sesks. At the wheel of his Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo, the Latvian won Saturday's 6th stage and has a lead of more than 20 seconds over the 2nd place finisher. In Latvia, the French had a difficult day.

Published on 02/07/2022 à 16:21

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A little more than 85 timed km were scheduled during this first stage of the 5^e championship meeting ERC. 6 special stages were planned not far from Talsi in the west of the country. While the main leaders of the competition were expected at the front, Martins Sesks surprised everyone. Titled in ERC3 and Junior U27 in 2018, the Latvian failed to make it in JWRC last year, finishing 3^e. Returning to the ERC this season, he had until then been discreet. With 6 best times, he is 22s9 ahead of Efren Llarena who is doing an excellent job so far and 32s3 ahead of Tom Kristensson. Bad tire choices, perfectible settings or a puncture prevented Nil Solans or Ken Torn from showing off as for Hayden Paddon who is aiming for a return to the highest level, he occasionally occupied a place on the podium before making a mistake. exit. The New Zealander is still in the race, but behind (7^e at 1min03s8). For his part, Yoann Bonato had a mixed experience, struggling to get into the right car. After a loop with unsuitable envelopes, the C3 driver is 10^e52s6 from 3rd place. No more success in ERC4 for Laurent Pellier. The latter was dominating the category with his Corsa when he made a mistake. From now on, he will have to try to come back on Sunday. At the wheel of his Clio, Anthony Fotia is 4th, 59s4 behind leader Oscar Palomo (208 R4°. The final stage consists of 6 stages and 95,34 km.

Ranking at the end of the first stage

1.	#11	Sesks Mārtiņš - Francis Renars Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2 LRC2	43:50.8		117.6
2.	#1	Llarena Efrén - Fernández Sara Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2	44:13.7	+22.9 +22.9	116.6 0.27
3. +1	#8	Kristensson Tom - Johansson Andreas Hyundai i20 R5	RC2	44:23.1	+32.3 +9.4	116.2 0.38
4. +2	#19	Heikkilä Mikko - Vaaleri Samu Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2	44:29.2	+38.4 +6.1	115.9 0.45
5. +2	#6	Torn Ken - Tom Andrus Ford Fiesta Rally2	RC2	44:36.4	+45.6 +7.2	115.6 0.53
6. +2	#15	Jeets Gregor - Taniel Timo Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2 LRC2	44:37.8	+47.0 +1.4	115.5 0.55
7. −2	#16	Žala Vaidotas - Minor Ilka Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2	44:46.7	+55.9 +8.9	115.2 0.65
8. +1	#12	Paddon Hayden - John Kennard Hyundai i20N Rally2	RC2	44:54.6	+ 1: 03.8 +7.9	114.8 0.74
9. +1	#4	Pardo Siota J. - Pérez Fernández A. Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo	RC2	44:55.2	+ 1: 04.4 +0.6	114.8 0.75
10. +1	#9	Bonato Yoann - Boulloud Benjamin Citroën C3 Rally2	RC2	45:05.3	+ 1: 14.5 +10.1	114.4 0.87