Rally Japan: Already damage in SS2, Sordo and Fourmaux out for the day

The 23,67 km of the Isegami's Tunnel special were on everyone's lips last night. Already difficult in the dry because of the pollution present on the road, it turned into a trap. Knowing how to use the footsteps of Kalle Rovanperä who started in front of him, Elfyn Evans achieved an impressive time. That didn't stop the Welshman from judging himself. slow in some portions ". Not very motivated and disadvantaged by his position as opener, the Finn did not want to take any risks, letting 32”3 slip away from his teammate. However, it is another Toyota which rises to second place. Also wondering if he had managed to find the right pace, Sébastien set an excellent time just 4” behind Evans. As for the local hero, Takamoto Katsuta, the start of the time was promising until the Japanese made a mistake and damaged the front of his Rally1. After a repair on the connection, it is now more than 5′ away.

While two Yaris were prancing in the lead, it was more complicated for Hyundai. Never feeling confident, Thierry Neuville preferred to unroll. Same observation, but much heavier punishment for Esapekka Lappi relegated to 1'22'' behind the leader. Not wanting to add one more release to their ongoing series, EP played it safe. This was obviously not Dani Sordo's plan. Starting very strongly, the Spaniard was ahead in the intermediate times before being trapped. Decidedly unlucky in this special where he saw his Rally1 go up in smoke last year, Dani this time fell into a ravine and his day was over. Rushing just behind, Adrien fourmaux was also announced stopped in this SS2 which was interrupted after the passage of Rally1.

General classification after SS2