Sébastien Ogier already alone in the world

Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen) had a perfect day by winning the four special stages of the first stage of the Tour de Corse. His lead increased further following the puncture of his direct opponent Kris Meeke (Citroën) in SS3 who lost more than two minutes in the incident.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) is now the closest to the triple world champion, but the Belgian is already 44 seconds behind the Frenchman. The 2013 world vice-champion will certainly focus more on Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen) who moved up to third place, 14 seconds behind the Hyundai driver.

After a discreet takeoff, the Finn increased his pace and took advantage punctures occurred on the Hyundais of Hayden Paddon and Dani Sordo in SS4. If the New Zealander finishes the day in sixth place, seven seconds behind Craig Breen (Citroën), the Spaniard lost two minutes and fell to ninth position behind Éric Camilli (Ford) and Elfyn Evans (Fiesta R5) who remains leader of the WRC 2.

The Welshman completed the first stage of the Tour de Corse with a lead of almost 16 seconds over the Skoda Fabia R5 of Jan Kopecky. Kevin Abbring completes the provisional podium in the category, already more than a minute behind the leader, followed 20 seconds by Yoann Bonato (DS 3 R5). José Antonio Suarez completes the top five on his Peugeot 208 T16 R5 ahead of Julien Maurin (Fabia R5). Quentin Gilbert (DS 3 R5) had to abandon after the finish of the stage following alternator problems.

Yoan Rossel finished at the top of the JWRC with 4”4 ahead of Laurent Pellier. Martin Kocy took third place following Terry Folb's accident after the finish of SS3.

The second stage of the Tour de Corse will again include two special stages covered twice. The crews will set off tomorrow from 9:22 a.m. in the 53,72km La Porta-Valle di Rostino, the longest special of the Rally of 10 Bends.

Results of the Tour de Corsica