Neuville takes off, Ogier still third

This second day of Rally de Catalunya started under thick fog for the start of the seventh special stage of the weekend. Already sparkling yesterday afternoon, Thierry Neuville continued to dominate the debates this morning in Catalonia. Of the three stages included in this first loop of the day, he won them all. In the general classification, no change to declare in the first half of the table. The gap between the two leaders and their pursuers continues to widen. Sébastien Ogier sees his third place threatened by Dani Sordo (+0”2) and Kalle Rovanperä (+21”5). 

Back behind the wheel of his Toyota after his accident yesterday morning, Takamoto Katsuta was the first to start in this first loop of the day. If for a long time, Kalle Rovanperä thought he would score his first scratch of the weekend, the passages of Elfyn Evans then Thierry Neuville relegated him to third place. “There is a lot of humidity, then a little fog too. I wanted to feel a little feeling so I was a little careful. It’s good, I enjoyed it.” confided the Finn, who is back in the race for third place.

The Belgian will not be asked to continue to string together the best times. First by beating an impressive Adrien fourmaux who sets the second fastest time on SS8 with only 1”7 behind. Then completing the ninth special in 12'03”5. For the first time this weekend, Sébastien Ogier (4th) finished ahead of Elfyn Evans (5th), 1”4 ahead and one place apart, during SS8. Victim of a puncture in SS9, Gus Greensmith fell to 9th place in the standings, behind Oliver Solberg and Nil Solans.

The general classification of the Rally de Catalunya before starting the fourth loop of this round: