Monte-Carlo Rally – The suspense continues in WRC2

The fight has been going on since yesterday morning. The new Bulgarian and the Spaniard went blow for blow throughout this Saturday which offered the longest stage of this first round of the season. Six special stages and just over 120 km of qualifying were on the program west of Gap.

Leader on Friday with a 1''3 margin over Pepe Lopez, the new arrival at Citroën was the sharpest during the morning loop. More comfortable than his opponent in the very fast sections, he managed to gain a 5”9 lead over the Spanish Fabia. For his part, Yohan Rossel set his first best time (SS11) which allowed him to stay in contact. At the break, the three crews were grouped in 14”6. Everything remained to be done.

Run on now very dirty roads, the second part of the stage began with a new change of leader. Inspired by the conditions, Lopez dislodged Gryazin who had been too cautious. Everything had to be done again for the talkative pilot from the east. The latter erased 0”7 in SS13, then managed to get back in front in the final section. After more than 270 km of qualifying, the two rivals are only separated by 0 seconds with 2 km of timed ahead of them to decide between them. They will also have to be wary of Yohan Rossel who is only 52,12”6 behind.

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