Barum Rally: Stritesky leader in Zlin, Franceschi 6th

After the first nine stages of the 53rd Barum Rally, the battle rages on. First contested under the sun, the race was then disrupted by the arrival of rain. Author of a great performance Dominik Stritesky dominates the debates. Sixth on Saturday evening, Mathieu Franceschi is ahead of his rival Hayden Paddon.

Published on 17/08/2024 à 19:33

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Barum Rally: Stritesky leader in Zlin, Franceschi 6th

Having negotiated the stages well in the dry and wet, Dominik Stritesky is the leader of Barum (Photo: Red Bull).

Considered one of the major events of the season, the Barum Rally Zlin had a lively start. 112,47 km long, it included 9 special stages, one of which was run on Friday at the end of the day in the streets of the host city in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

Despite the extreme motivation of the Czech crews in the presence of their public, it was the Austrian Simon Wagner who won at the end of this 9,57 km section in front of a trio of locals. The gaps remained tight with 6 competitors grouped in 3”2. 9^e of this exercise, Mathieu Franceschi took the opportunity to distance Hayden Paddon by 0”8. The match between the only two contenders for the 2024 title was on.

On more classic terrain made up of roads through woods and fields, the battle between the locals pitted 5 competitors against each other. Leader at the end of SS2, Adam Brezik dropped back after his puncture in SS4. Inheriting the leadership chair, Dominik Stritesky began to seriously look in his mirrors when he saw Jan Kopecky return. The latter was only 0''7 behind when he in turn punctured (SS5). Penalized by 20'' last night for a late score, Erik Cais set the best times to return to the podium and aimed for first place. Feared by the competitors, the rain appeared at the end of the day, shaking up the rankings.

Proving excellent in the Rajnochovice ES (SS8) drowned in the storm, Stritesky regained a good lead over Wagner (21''1) while Cais had the cup (41''9 lost). The other major event of this special was Hayden Paddon's puncture. Forced to stop to change his wheel, the New Zealander lost 3'48'' and saw his chances of scoring big points reduced at the Power Stage on Sunday. At the same time, Mathieu Franceschi was solid. Improving his performance between the two loops, the Frenchman moved up to 5^e place. Not having tires for the rain in this SS8, he preferred to reach the finish without making any mistakes.

The cancellation of the last special of the day for safety reasons froze the positions until tomorrow. Sunday's stage will consist of 6 stages representing 81,12 km timed.

Ranking at the end of the 8 stages contested