Latvala in front, Neuville outside

The race almost at home for Hyundai, based in Alzeneau in Germany, got off to a bad start for the Korean team. Its leading pilot, the Belgian Thierry Neuville, outgoing vice-world champion, made a mistake this morning during the 4,55 km shakedown of the Rally from Germany. The i20 WRC rolled several times before stopping below the road, in the vineyards. (You can click this link to see a photo.) The car is very damaged but we do not yet know the true extent of the damage, particularly if the rollbar is affected, which could cost Neuville a premature withdrawal.

In terms of times, it was the Finn Jari-Matti Latvala who was the fastest this morning. Building on his magnificent victory in Finland, he is ahead of his teammates at Volkswagen, the World Champion Sébastien Ogier and the Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen. Kris Meeke (Citroën DS3 WRC) was once again closest to the German cars, ahead of Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20), Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Fiesta) and Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta). Bryan Bouffier, entered in the third Hyundai i20, took 12th place.

The first SS of the rally will begin tomorrow morning at 8:38 a.m., and the event can be followed live and in full on AUTOhebdo.fr.

Shakedown Ranking:

1. Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen Polo R) – 2’20″8
2. Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen Polo R) at 0″5
3. Andreas Mikkelsen (Volkswagen Polo R) at 1″1
4. Kris Meeke (Citroën DS3) at 1″7
5. Dani Sordo (Hyundai i20) at 2″2
6. Mikko Hirvonen (Ford Fiesta) at 2″9
7. Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta) at 3″1
8. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20) at 3″1
9. Mads Ostberg (Citroën DS3) at 3″3
10. Elfyn Evans (Ford Fiesta) at 4″4
...
12. Bryan Bouffier (Hyundai i20) at 6″9