Dani Sordo takes the lead at the Monza Rally

Rain, rain and more rain. The second stage of Rally of Monza took place entirely under downpours of water on Friday around the famous Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, the circuit of Formula 1. “Slippery” and “hydroplaning” are the main words used by pilots during hot reactions.

Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) was the main victim of the day. First out during the second special this morning, the Belgian did it again in SS4 where he damaged a suspension in an impact before retiring after drowning his engine. The title dreams are going away for him.

Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) and Elfyn Evans (Hyundai) are, however, still in the race. The two drivers separated by 14 points in the championship followed each other all day. Sébastien Ogier, in the lead after the first special on Thursday, won another scratch in SS5 but is only five seconds ahead of his rival in the general classification.

In front of them, the two presenters of the day were named Esapekka Lappi (Ford) and Dani Sordo (Hyundai). The Finn initially took the lead thanks to a daring choice of tires. He used the snow tires alone during the morning. But this choice proved less profitable during the afternoon stages. Dani Sordo took advantage of this and his best time during SS6, the last of the day, allowed him to take the lead on the gong for a second.

Sébastien Ogier follows at 12 seconds and Elfyn Evans at 17 seconds just ahead Ott Tanak. The day was mainly a test of survival, where you couldn't make a mistake. In addition to Neuville, Gus Greensmith and Teemu Suninen, two Ford drivers, also had to retire due to an accident and engine failure respectively.

Saturday will be much more selective. Seven special stages are on the program, sometimes over 20 kilometers, on the snow-covered roads of the peaks of the Monza region. A rally-style course where the differences could be significant.

Meet at 7:52 a.m. to start hostilities by following the rally in live text on our site.