WRC – Neuville ahead of Ogier and Ostberg in Finland

The Qatar WRT had never experienced such a beautiful first stage. If the six special stages of the day only offered 45km timed, a stage described as "the most boring" by Sébastien Ogier, the first times of the Rally from Finland have already offered several surprises. While Jari-Matti Latvala decided to throw in the towel after Torittu's second pass after damaging his left rear suspension by running over a stone in the first, Thierry Neuville distinguished himself by taking control of the event after achieving a series of particularly competitive times. “This stage went well even though we had very long connections. » Qatar WRT is celebrating as Mads Ostberg occupies third place, less than four seconds behind the Polo R WRC from Sébastien Ogier who kept his strength for the following stages. “Today hasn't been fun, but the real start is tomorrow. »

Mikko Hirvonen finished the first stage in fourth place, five seconds behind the provisional podium and with a lead of only three seconds over Juho Hänninen. The Citroën driver shared the lead of the race with Thierry Neuville before losing more than ten seconds in the second passage of Himos by being trapped by the rain which greatly deteriorated the course after starting in the group following the other leaders . Kris Meeke follows closely in sixth position ahead of Evgeny Novikov and Andreas Mikkelsen. Dani Sordo had a disappointing first stage, only occupying ninth place, ten seconds ahead of Jarkko Nikara. However, the Spaniard does not lose morale. “Tomorrow will be a new day where everything will start from scratch. » The Citroën driver is perhaps not wrong. The crews behind could indeed find themselves advantaged by the order of departures if rain is in order.

Robert Kubica adapts well to the stages of the Rallye des 1000 Lacs. The Pole moved into second place in WRC2, 24 seconds behind the Fiesta R5 of Jari Ketomaa currently leading the category.