WRC – Ogier ahead of Kubica at Rally Sweden shakedown

Sébastien Ogier (VW) was the fastest in the shakedown of the Rally from Sweden by achieving a time of 1’59”0 during his best run. The Pirelli studded tires nevertheless seem effective since Robert Kubica (Ford) was closest to the Championship leader, only two tenths behind. After updating the times, the Pole is tied with Mads Ostberg (Citroën).

Kris Meeke (Citroën) completes the top three by preceding the Polo R WRC by Andreas Mikkelsen and Jari-Matti Latvala. On the other hand, the Hyundai ont été plus en retrait since Hayden Paddon, the fastest driver among those of the Korean manufacturer, was only able to bring his i20 WRC to the edge of the top ten. The New Zealander replaces the injured Dani Sordo.

A photographer was injured following an exit from the road by Michal Solowow (Ford). Emergency services intervened but initial reports indicate that the victim's injuries were not too serious.

Conditions in Sweden have evolved since the start of the week. If the winter weather promised the crews to have very compact snow, the recent rise in temperatures (with sometimes positive averages) is changing the state of the special stages on the program. The first crews in the starting order, Sébastien Ogier in the lead, could be slowed down if conditions remain stable.

The Rally Sweden will begin this evening at 20:08 p.m. with the 1,9km Karlstad super special stage.

Rally Sweden shakedown results

1. Sébastien Ogier? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 1'59"0
2. Robert Kubica? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 1'59"2
2. Mads Ostberg? Citroën DS3 WRC? 1'59"2
4. Kris Meeke? Citroën DS3 WRC? 1'59"3
5. Andreas Mikkelsen? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 1'59"5
6. Jari-Matti Latvala? Volkswagen Polo R WRC? 1'59"9
7. Yuriy Protasov? Citroën DS3 WRC? 2'01"9
8. Elfyn Evans? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2'02"1
9. Henning Solberg? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2’02″3
10. Ott Tänak ? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2'02"5
11. Hayden Paddon? Hyundai i20 WRC? 2'03"2
12. Kevin Abbring? Hyundai i20 WRC? 2'04"7
13. Thierry Neuville ? Hyundai i20 WRC? 2'04"8
14. Lorenzo Bertelli? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2'06"8
15. Martin Prokop? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2'07"4
16. Michal Sołowow? Ford Fiesta RS WRC? 2'14"4