New Zealand – SS5: Terrific Sébastien Ogier!

Sébastien Ogier delivered a lesson in driving virtuosity to complete the fifth special and gain 4 places to take the lead of the rally from New Zealand.

The second loop of the day started with a new passage through Whaanga Coast on a drier road and cleaned by the first passage of cars. Conditions a priori more favorable to championship leader Kalle Rovanperä who once again had the role of opener ahead of his runner-up Ott Tänak.

From the first intermediates, it was obvious that the championship leader was back as Rovanperä completed the special in 19'57″4, almost 20 seconds faster than during his first morning pass. But if Rovanperä, Tänak and Breen had set the same time during SS3, Tanäk once again equaled Rovanperä's mark!!! An unprecedented situation which clearly illustrates the incredible level of performance of the two champions.

Finally free of his grip problems from the start of the day, Thierry Neuville came back into the match and took the best by 1″0, but Elfyn Evans put everyone in agreement in 19’48″6. Only Craig Breen and Sébastien Ogier seemed able to beat this mark but Breen went off the road in “McRae's Corner”. Although the car did not appear damaged, it was nevertheless stuck in a ditch and the Irishman was forced to dismount.

Sébastien Ogier kept the 4 wheels of his Yaris firmly in place and went to the end of the stage to sign his 462nd career scratch!

SS5 ranking:

General classification after SS5: