Ott Tänak widens the gap in Finland

Perfect start to the day for Ott Tänak in Finland, the Estonian having taken the advantage over the competition. Kris Meeke, however, was forced to retire.

Published on 03/08/2019 à 11:17

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The idea of a hat-trick Toyota Gazoo Racing on the land of its Team Principal Tommi Mäkinen, with his three Yaris Ott Tänak, Jari-Matti Latvala and Kris Meeke, although in the lead after the first special of the day, took a lead in the wing this Saturday morning.

Certainly Ott Tänak now dominates the general classification with 13″8 over Jari-Matti Latvala, but the Japanese clan lost Kris Meeke, victim of a collision and damaged suspension in SS14.

#WRClive SS14: @krismeeke has damaged the rear left suspension – the wheel is hanging off. It's all over Watch it live on https://t.co/0nWOJAkkTv #RallyFinland #WRC pic.twitter.com/8BiA5arrUs

- World Rally Championship (@OfficialWRC) August 3

A SS where Tänak built his lead, Jari-Matti Latvala suffering a puncture at the rear left, and having to deal with a Yaris damaged in the wheel arch. However, this was not enough to prevent the Finn from setting the best time in the following sector... for a tenth against Tänak.

Behind the two surviving Toyotas, Esapekka Lappi (Citroën) remains a constant threat, 2″3 behind Latvala, and 16″1 behind leader Tänak.

The other point to watch for the afternoon loop will undoubtedly be the fight for fourth place. Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai), Sébastien Ogier (Citroen) and Craig Breen (Hyundai) are currently separated by 2″3 before the last four SS of the day.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) is a little more lonely in seventh position, 17″ behind the Mikkelsen – Ogier – Breen group. The two Ford Fiestas – M-Sport Ford of Teemu Suninen and Gus Greensmith follow in the standings ahead of Kalle Rovanperä (Skoda), leader in WRC2 Pro and Pierre-Louis Loubet (Skoda) in the lead in WRC2.