Lappi and Ogier place Citroën at the forefront in Türkiye

Already in the lead after the first loop, Esapekka Lappi (Citroën) confirmed in the second runs in the day's ES this Friday in Turkey.

The Finn, without signing any scratches after the break, nevertheless increased his lead by playing it safe in SS5, before hitting hard in SS6, staying within the tempo set by Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) and Sébastien Ogier (Citroen).

Because it is in this sixth special, second passage in the longest ES of the rally that the hierarchy of the day has taken shape. Alongside the arrival of the rain, the Toyota lost their footing on a track reminiscent of ice at Kris Meeke, the Briton damaging the rear of his Yaris.

Shod on hard tyres, Jari-Matti Latvala could not do better than the former Mini driver, when Ott Tänak saw his progress slowed down by a puncture. Delicate conditions, which offered big gaps in the ranking, to the advantage of the Lappi – Ogier – Neuville trio.

The Finn has a 17″7 lead over his French teammate this evening, with Neuville remaining within immediate reach of the C3 WRC n°1 at 0″7.

The gap is made behind the podium as Teemu Suninen places his Ford Fiesta – M-Sport Ford in 4th position at 44″4, ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) at 1'04" and Dani Sordo (Hyundai) at 1'25", after a nice scratch from the Spaniard in SS7, taking advantage of his medium tires and despite a turbo problem.

Kris Meeke is in 7th position at 1'32" ahead of Ott Tänak at 1'37" and Latvala at 1'42". Pontus Tidemand (M-Sport Ford) completes the top 10, more than 3′ behind.

Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia R5) dominates the WRC 2 Pro with a little over 1′ ahead of Gus Greensmith (Ford Fiesta R5). Kajetan Kajetanowicz (Skoda Fabia R5) remains at the forefront in WRC 2, while being faster than the WRC 2 Pro.

Tomorrow, the Turkish stage will start at 7:43 a.m. and can be followed live and in full on our website via our live-text.