ERC – Lukyanuk faces Sirmacis in Estonia

We were expecting a face to face between the two leaders of the European Rally Championship Kajetan Kajetanowicz (Ford Fiesta R5) and Alexey Lukyanuk (Ford Fiesta R5), but the Pole was unable to join the fight for first place, disturbed by several mechanical problems on his Fiesta R5, including a stubborn gearbox changed at service which earned him a 10″ penalty, before encounter power steering problems at the end of the stage.

Alexey Lukyanuk did not ask for so much and logically took the lead in the Estonian event, but must face the constant threat of Ralfs Sirmacis. The driver of the Skoda Fabia R5, winner of the Acropolis last May, did not let up his efforts throughout the day and this Saturday evening is 20″1 behind the Russian leader.

Kajetanowicz resisted in third position but remains under threat from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX of Rainer Aus, fourth less than 5″ from the podium and second in SS10, won by Raul Jeets. Among the main retirements, Egon Kaur (Mitsubishi Lancer) retired due to a fuel system problem in SS8. Hiroki Arai, competing in a Tommi Mäkinen Racing Ford Fiesta R5, and member of the Tommi Mäkinen Racing development program Toyota Gazoo Racing, gave up after an exit in SS6.

The last day of Rally of Estonia will begin tomorrow morning with the 20,32 km of Ristimäe, scheduled from 9:15 a.m.

Ranking after Stage 1