Thierry Neuville expects a tough fight with Evans and Tänak

Author of an almost ideal second day in Argentina, after a first special marked yesterday by a puncture, Thierry Neuville is in a position to achieve a second consecutive victory in 2017, after the Tour de Corse.

Returning in the wake of Elfyn Evans, still leader of the South American event, Neuville is only 11″5 behind before the last three Sunday ES after being left behind by more than a minute at the start of the stage.

Enough to offer a positive boost to the Belgian driver, who was rather spared from technical problems, when all his rivals were at one time or another victim of a problem on their WRC.

“We couldn't have asked for more this Saturday, recognizes Neuville. The day didn't start well after the puncture in the first special. Things got better after that and we were able to catch Mads to consolidate second place.

The balance of the car was good and most of the time I felt comfortable. We attacked a little more in the final stages to try to reduce the gap to Elfyn, which we were able to do. »

Thank you as an outsider?

If the pressure will logically be on Elfyn Evans before the last three timed sectors, Thierry Neuville is still wary of Ott Tänak (Ford), 26″8 behind Evans.

“The goal is always to win, but it will be a difficult fight, not only for victory, but also to defend our current position against those who pursue us. We'll see what happens. »

Le Rally of Argentina will resume at 14:13 p.m., with the last three stages to follow live on our website.