Ott Tänak in good position in Finland

Ott Tänak is in an excellent position to secure a second victory in a row in Finland after widening the gap on Esapekka Lappi and Jari-Matti Latvala.

Published on 03/08/2019 à 18:33

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Ott Tänak took command of the Rally of Finland at the end of the first special of this second real stage, and never again relinquished the leadership to conclude this day with a 16″4 lead over Esapekka Lappi (Citroën) who maintained constant pressure on the Estonian from Toyota Gazoo Racing, without however being able to rise to its level.

Jari-Matti Latvala (Toytoa), slowed down by a puncture at the end of the morning, is clearly moving towards the points in the Manufacturers' standings after Kris Meeke's retirement in SS14 (suspension), and was sure to finish this evening 28″8 behind his teammate.

The fight for fourth place remains intense between Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai), Sébastien Ogier (Citroen) and Craig Breen (Hyundai). The Norwegian regained the advantage in SS18 over the world champion, ahead of him by 2″6 at the end of the day.

Craig Breen remains within range by pointing 6″ from Ogier. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) is alone in seventh position, after experiencing a small problem with the rear axle in SS18, without major consequences. Followed by the two Ford Fiestas – M-Sport by Teemu Suninen and Gus Greensmith.

In WRC2 Pro, Kalle Rovanperä remains leader with his Skoda Fabia R5 with a large lead over Eric Camilli (Ford). Disappointment in WRC2 for Pierre-Louis Loubet (Skoda Fabia R5), leader of the category, but who concedes more than 7′ in the last special, and sees Nikolay Gryazin (Skoda) take the lead before the last day.