WRC – Latvala takes the lead in Rally Australia

Jari-Matti Latvala grabbed the head of the Rally of Australia at the end of the second passage of the first stage. The Volkswagen driver scored three stage wins in a row to take over the DS3 WRC de Chris Meeke who remains in contact with only 2 seconds behind the Finn. The Northern Irishman was slowed down like other drivers in SS8 (Newry Long, the longest special of the day with 29,51km) due to suspended dust.

Sébastien Ogier also returned to the front by completing the top three with less than 3 seconds behind Kris Meeke. The double world champion made the difference in the 8th special and will benefit from the sweep of Stéphane Lefebvre in the 2nd stage, Mads Ostberg's replacement having broken his suspension at the end of the day.

Andreas Mikkelsen remains 4th but only has 3 seconds ahead of Dani sordo who fell to 5th place with around ten seconds ahead of Hayden Paddon. Thierry Neuville took advantage of Ott Tänak for 3 seconds difference. Elfyn Evans et Lorenzo Bertelli complete the top ten.

Nasser Al-Attiyah retains the lead in WRC2 with a 50-second lead over Yuriy Protasov. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari follows the Ukrainian at half a minute.

Rally Australia Videos

The second stage of Rally Australia will begin at 2:18 a.m. (French time) with the 50,8km Nambucca. The first passage will be completed by the 7,94km of Valla. The second passage will begin at 7:41 a.m. and will be followed live on AUTOhebdo.fr.