ERC
Hungarian Rally – Toyotas lead the way
Having already competed in several races with the Toyota Yaris Rally2, Mikko Heikkilä knows how to exploit it (Photo: Red Bull)
The launch of the 2024 European Rally Championship took place on Friday. After the shakedown and qualifying, the crews faced a short first special of 2,05 km last night. Based in Veszprém, west of Budapest, the event resumed today with six ES on the menu. A little over 101 timed km had to be covered. Now taking place on land, this Hungarian meeting is subject to the vagaries of the sweep.
After the best time of Erik Cais' Fabia in SS1 and a quick lead by Mathieu Franceschi (after SS2), a two-legged battle took place between Martin Sesks and Mikko Heikkilä. Taking command in SS3, the Finn managed to keep it for two qualifying stages before the Latvian demonstrated that he already knows how to use the Yaris that he discovered during this race.
Showing himself to be faster than his rival on two occasions, the one who won 2 events in ERC last year managed to build a slim lead of 3″8 over his opponent. This margin, however, did not prove sufficient to allow him to overcome a puncture in the final section of the day. This gave Heikkilä the opportunity to get back in front and count 2″3 on the unlucky Sesks.
Usually quite discreet, Simone Tempestini this time signed an excellent stage. The multi-champion of Romania discovered the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 and he obviously quickly got the hang of it. Author of a best time in SS3, he occupies 3 this eveninge provisional podium step. He is ahead of Hayden Paddon who did not want to push his limits today, particularly in terms of tires. Mikolaj Marczyk completes the top 5. These competitors are only 21″7 apart, which still promises a great fight for 2e step.
Leader after his scratch time in SS2, Mathieu Franceschi then suffered a puncture and rolled over twice. The Frenchman is now 2th with prospects of gaining places on Sunday. It was also a puncture that dictated the ERC Junior standings. Leader during 7 specials, Jaspar Vaher lost 5'2 in SS54 due to a flat tire. Consistent, Max McRae took the lead with a 6″35 lead over Calle Carlberg.
For the second stage, 6 ES will be on the program representing 88,18 km timed.
Rally Hungary – Ranking after SS7
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Loïc ROCCI
Journalist specializing in rallying past, present and future... and with a southern accent
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