Sardinia Rally 2019
09h
The crews are now heading to the 6,89km Sassari-Argentiera special. Departure is scheduled for 9:11 a.m.
08h
If Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) took the scratch in SS16 at Cala Flumini at the Sardinia Rally, his direct rival Elfyn Evans (M-Sport) only lost 2 tenths.
Ott Tänak (Toyota) manages his lead by following a little over 3 seconds while still ahead of Dani Sordo (Hyundai) by more than 5 seconds. The Spaniard finished just behind his teammate Thierry Neuville. Most drivers adopted a more than cautious pace while preserving the tires for the Power Stage.
Ott Tänak now has more than half a minute ahead of Dani Sordo. Teemu Suninen remains in 3rd place ahead of Elfyn Evans and Andreas Mikkelsen, still separated in less than 8 seconds. Thierry Neuville is still in 6th position ahead of Esapekka Lappi and Kris Meeke.
08h
Tänak manages without difficulty with the 3rd fastest time, 3″5 behind Mikkelsen’s scratch. The Toyota driver extends his lead to more than 31s. “We tried to preserve the tires as much as possible but we still had to keep a good pace not knowing that of our opponents. »
08h
Ogier is late in regrouping the connection. Another strategy regarding sweeps?
08h
Sordo settles for 5th time, 8″8 behind his teammate Mikkelse, ahead of Suninen by 4 tenths. The Spaniard is 2nd with more than 17 seconds ahead of the Finn. “It’s okay, I’m reassured by seeing Suninen’s time. »
08h
Suninen sets the 5th fastest time, 9″2 behind Mikkelsen. The M-Sport driver remains well established in 3rd row. “The ES was difficult with very narrow sections, it was risky. »
08h
Evans manages against Mikkelsen by only giving up 2 tenths to the Norwegian. The M-Sport driver maintains a 7″7 lead over the Norwegian with 3 SS to go. " It went well. »
08h
Mikkelsen finished ahead of Latvala by 7″3. We rode well and we hope to regain a few seconds. »
08h
The only big fight to follow is the duel between Mikkelsen and Evans for 4th place. The M-Sport driver is 3 tenths ahead of the Norwegian in the first split.
08h
Neuville finished 9 tenths behind Latvala. The Hyundai driver is isolated in 6th row. “The goal is to enjoy the day since it’s my birthday. We have enough lead on Lappi to manage the tires for the Power Stage. »
08h
Lappi didn't push too hard either, ranking 15s behind the benchmark. The Citroën driver is in 7th position. “Not much to play today, it’s a bit boring.” »
08h
Meeke is also on a slow pace in order to preserve his rubber. We'll have to wait for the top ranked drivers to get some action. The Northern Irishman is 43s behind his teammate Latvala. He remains 8th. “I have nothing to play. We will aim for bonus points and focus on Finland. »
08h
Hänninen ranks 21s behind Latvala. The rookie is in 19th place. “We made the right choice of tires. »
08h
Latvala signs the first reference in 8'55″7. The Toyota driver is in 22nd place. “I had the impression at times that no one had come before me. I don't have to fight but I want to be in the rhythm. »
08h
Ogier sets a time of 10'24″7 which doesn't really give a reference due to the Frenchman's cautious pace. “It is certain that there is no point in attacking. We prefer to manage the tires. »
08h
Latvala is on the attack unlike Ogier. The Finn is ahead of the Citroën driver by more than half a minute in the first partial.
08h
All WRC crews opted for 5 medium tires.
08h
Latvala narrowly avoided going off the road in a left turn on a narrow section surrounded by vegetation. The Toyota driver can continue.
08h
Latvala joins Ogier in the special. The Finn should adopt a strategy similar to that of the Citroën driver.
08h
Ogier sets off in the 14,06km Cala Flumini under sunny skies. The Citroën driver will have to save his weekend by aiming for bonus points in the Power Stage and will certainly move at a cautious pace in order to preserve his tires.
