Tänak leads in Sardinia, Dani Sordo does not give up

Struck by bad luck in Portugal, Ott Tänak wanted to react on the Italian gravel this weekend. And after the first day of racing, the driver Hyundai clearly demonstrated this.

After dominating the entire first loop of the day, the 2019 world champion mastered his subject in the afternoon. Jostled by his teammate Dani Sordo who took two scratches from him, Ott Tänak limited the damage at the end of the day to consolidate himself at the head of the event.

Although left behind by Ott Tänak after 5 special stages, Dani Sordo did not give up, on the contrary. With two ES won solo and another shared with Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) in the second loop, the native of Torrelavega (Spain) managed to make up part of his deficit. The gap between the two leaders is now only 19 seconds.

Behind, Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) had a much better Friday than in Portugal. Restricted to the role of opener due to his position in the championship (1st), the reigning champion has done much more than limit damage.

If he is already 36 behind in 2rd place overall, the Habs are not yet saying their last word. With a good starting position this Saturday, the Gapençais can allow himself to dream.

In difficulty on the Sardinian gravel, Thierry Neuville had an eventful day. Largely left behind after the first loop, the Belgian encountered some problems, including two punctures, during the second which definitively removed him from the battle for victory. He arrived at the finish line on this first day in 5th position, more than a minute from the lead.

At M-Sport, the day was dark. After the withdrawals of Teemu Suninen and Adrien fourmaux for the rest of the day during the first loop, the English structure saw Gus Greesnmith break down (gearbox) during SS8, the last of the day.

Plagued by brake problems during the last two specials, Pierre-Louis Loubet (2C Competition) was expelled from the Top 10. He is currently 12th, more than 6 minutes behind the leader.

The rally continues this Saturday at 8:08 a.m. and will be followed on AUTOhebdo.