Tänak first leader in Finland ahead of Neuville

Almost came as a neighbor, the Estonian Ott Tänak (Toyota) took the lead rally of Finland thanks to the best time in the opening super special of the event played on Thursday evening. Third overall in the World Rally Championship (WRC) covered the Harju special (2,31 km) in just 1'49''2.

#WRC standings top 10 after SS1:#RallyFinland pic.twitter.com/5Ovlv8biZZ

— Neste Rally Finland (@RallyFinland) July 26, 2018

Even if the gaps are tiny at this stage of the weekend, the No. 8 Toyota Yaris is ahead of both rivals for the Drivers' crown, Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) and Sébastien Ogier, second and third respectively, seven and eight tenths behind the leader.

“It promises to be a close battle throughout the rally, announced the Belgian as he got out of the car. I tried to be careful in this special. We have to be smart this weekend”, that is to say not to waste the capital points ahead of the reigning champion.

SS1 complete and @SebOgier is in podium position after the short spectator stage. See you tomorrow when we hit the Finnish forests for some serious action! #WRC #FordPerformance #RallyFinland pic.twitter.com/bQVbYfTOv7

— M-Sport (@MSportLtd) July 26, 2018

“Finland is always an exciting rally, explained Sébastien Ogier for his part. It's a special event, which I enjoy, so I can't wait for tomorrow! » The Citroën drivers, in great spirits during the shakedown held in the morning, are in the middle of the WRC pack (Mads Ostberg 6th, Craig Breen 7e). “I told Scott (Martin, his teammate) As soon as we crossed the line it was a mediocre run., grumbled Craig Breen. The first 11 WRC drivers are within 2”8.

In WRC2, Italian Fabio Andolfi leads the way in his Skoda Fabia R5. Frenchman Stéphane Lefebvre, at the wheel of the new Citroën C3 R5, is sixth at 1”9, two tenths ahead of Pierre-Louis Loubet (Hyundai).