Tänak unlucky, Ogier new leader in Sardinia

When it doesn't want, it doesn't want. Already struck by bad luck a fortnight ago in Portugal when he was leading the rally, Ott Tänak (Hyundai) experienced the same disappointment this Saturday on the Sardinian side.

Solid leader since the first special of the Italian round, the 2019 champion mastered his subject perfectly and was in a good position to achieve his second victory of the campaign. But now, bad luck has once again fallen on the heads of the Tänak-Järveoja crew.

Last to pass in SS12, Ott Tänak hit a rock which was in the middle of the road. Although its size was not considerable, the damage was, as the Hyundai driver was forced to immediately immobilize his i20.

#WRC  UPDATE #8: @OttTanak & Martin forced to retire on SS12 at @Rally_d_Italia due to damaged rear left wheel. #HMSGOfficial #RallyItaly

— hmsgofficial (@HMSGOfficial) June 5, 2021

On the mat, the Estonian offers the orders of the Rally of Italy to Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) who was nevertheless 40"5 behind at the start of SS12.

Ott Tänak out of the race, the Gapençais now leads the way ahead of Dani Sordo (Hyundai) and Elfyn Evans (Toyota). The first is 17 seconds before the second loop of the day while the second is more than 5 seconds away.

Surprise leader, Sébastien Ogier prefers to play the cautious card before tackling the second part of the day: “ There is still a way to go ».

Four other stages are on the afternoon program this Saturday. The competition is scheduled to resume at 15:10 p.m. with SS13.