Ogier starts well at Rally Sweden

Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen) was uncompromising in the first three stages of the Rally of Sweden which he won. The three-time world champion has a 24-second lead over his teammate Andreas Mikkelsen at midday after the Norwegian lost time following a trip off the road in a ford not indicated in the reconnaissance. This trap also surprised the Frenchman who damaged the front left of his Polo R WRC when hitting a tree.

Kris Meeke (Citroën) completes the top three, four seconds behind Andreas Mikkelsen. The Northern Irishman took advantage of the troubles of Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen) and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) qui ont cassé leur transmission et qui ne pourront pas profiter d’une assistance pour réparer leur voiture. Le Belge pointe encore au dixième rang mais devrait perdre plusieurs positions dans le second passage.

Dani Sordo (Hyundai) is in fourth place, just over a second behind Kris Meeke. The Spaniard is six seconds ahead of Mads Ostberg (Ford) who precedes Ott Tänak (Ford) by one second. Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) follows seven seconds ahead of Craig Breen by three tenths as the Irishman makes his debut with Citroën.

Éric Camilli (Ford) is in 11th position ahead of Fredrik Ahlin (Fiesta R5), WRC2 leader, half a second ahead of Elfyn Evans (Fiesta R5). Pontus Tidemand (Skoda Fabia R5) follows the Welshman less than four seconds behind.

The second passage of the first stage of the Rally Sweden will be contested from 13:18 p.m.