Tänak keeps pace at Rally Germany

With the exception of the first special of the day won by Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport), Ott Tänak (Toyota) a remporté toutes les ES de la première étape du Rally from Germany. The Estonian returns to service more than 15 seconds ahead of the five-time champion of the WRC.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) reste sur le podium provisoire, mais le Belge a vu son retard se porter à 15 secondes face au Français. Le leader du Championnat est désormais menacé par Elfyn Evans (M-Sport) qui a gagné trois places cet après-midi pour se retrouver en 4e position pour une seconde d’avance sur Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota).

Conversely, Dani Sordo (Hyundai) fell to 6th place. Although he is less than 4 seconds behind the Finn, he is only a tenth ahead of Esapekka Lappi (Toyota), a sufficient gap to ensure him a better position on the road in the second stage.

The Citroën drivers struggled again. Craig Breen was able to catch up with Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) who is one second behind the first C3 WRC, but Mads Ostberg slipped outside the Top 10 after suffering from engine power losses caused by an error by a mechanic who incorrectly reattached the bumper -front shocks at the break, causing high temperatures. The Norwegian finds himself more than 6 seconds behind Teemu Suninen (M-Sport).

In WRC 2, Jan Kopecky (Skoda) retains control of the category with 22 seconds ahead of Yoann Bonato (Citroën). Stéphane Lefebvre (Citroën) occupies 7th position, almost a minute from the head of the category.

The second stage of the Rally Germany will begin this Saturday from 8:48 a.m. with the 9,43 from Arena Panzerplatte.