SS18, Sassari – Argentiera 1 (6,96 km), will start at 9:38 a.m.

Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia R5) continues to dominate WRC2 after this SS17.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) sets the best time on the 17th special stage of the Rally Italy, beating his rival Sébastien Ogier (M-Sport Ford) by eight tenths for victory. The Belgian thus returns to 3″1 in the general classification against the French driver, with only three special stages remaining.

Ott Tänak and Jari-Matti Latvala (Toyota) follow in 3rd and 4th positions in the standings for this SS17, but it is their teammate Esapekka Lappi who remains third overall, 1'22" behind Ogier. The fight for fourth place seems to be going to the advantage of Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) who has gained 7″ from Mads Ostberg (Citroën).

Craig Breen (Citroën) follows in sixth position overall ahead of Latvala and Jan Kopecky (Skoda Fabia R5), still the clear leader in WRC2.  

Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) finished SS17 1'07″2 behind Neuville.

Third provisional time for Ott Tänak (Toyota), while Teemu Suninen (M-Sport Ford) ranks 6th, 22″1 behind Neuville.

Ogier is eight tenths slower in 8'41″5. Neuville further reduced the gap to 3″1 before the last three SS. “Great stage, it’s narrow, so it’s hard to attack. » admits Ogier.

In the fourth part, Ogier got back behind Neuville while the latter finished in 8'40″7. “I made two small mistakes at junctions by missing the ruts. I don't know if it will be enough, but it will be tight. »

Latvala (Toyota) set the provisional best time in 8'55″6, 1″1 ahead of Paddon.

Now alone in third position, Esapekka Lappi (Toyota) does not take unnecessary risks and sets the 4th provisional time, 13″1 behind Paddon. “We must maintain the position. It's not easy to find the rhythm. »

Excellent operation for Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) who signs the best provisional time with 7″ ahead of Mads Ostberg. The New Zealander increases his lead to 9″1 over the Citroën driver.

9'03″7 for Mads Ostberg (Citroën) who sets the provisional best time. The Norwegian is fighting with Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) for fourth place, but the latter seems much faster in the partials.

“I have to be at the finish, I’m not going to take too many risks. » comments Ostberg.

Craig Breen (Citroën) improves to 9'07″0. “A lot of sweeping,” highlights the Irishman. I stay in the middle of the road. »

Elfyn Evans admits not to attack too much this morning on this SS, with a significant sweep.

All the drivers using Michelin tires started with 5 soft tires, except the Toyota Yaris of Latvala and Lappi, who used 4 softs and one hard tire.

Evans finished in 9’12″3.

195 km/h reached by Evans on the asphalt portion of the special.

Like yesterday, the weather is ideal in Sardinia, with sunshine, unlike Friday.

Elfyn Evans (M-Sport Ford) started the seventeenth SS.