Central Europe Rally – SS6: Rovanperä makes up time on Ogier

The second loop on Saturday started strong at Rally from Central Europe, with Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) who immediately took the initiative against Sébastien Ogier (Toyota). On the 23,37 km of the second passage through the Jan pass (SS6), the Finn set the best time in 12:10.5, taking 2,4 seconds off the Frenchman to return to his wake in the general classification.

The double world champion was incisive from the start, beating Ogier at almost every stage despite a difficult start in the mud. It may be a little more regular now, but the road is going to get dirtier and dirtier. " he commented at the finish. Ogier, for his part, recognized a special " not easy at the beginning, but more pleasant at the end ».

Behind the leading duo, Elfyn Evans lost 6,6 seconds, whileOtt Tänak (Hyundai) continued to lose ground with a further nine seconds of delay. The bad operation, however, goes to Thierry Neuville, victim of a recalcitrant hood forcing him to finish with reduced visibility. I could only see one way, it was a bit scary going 200 km/h between the trees " he said, losing 26 seconds on the best time, another consequence of his morning error.

Adrien fourmaux suffered from a lack of stability in his Hyundai: " It's very difficult " he said after the finish, trailing Rovanperä by 18,7 seconds. The battle at the front remains intense, with Rovanperä closing to within 2,4 seconds of Ogier before the last two stages of the day, which will be held towards Austria. The rally resumes at 17:20 p.m.

Oliver Solberg (Toyota) continues to dominate the RC2 class. Already the champion, the Swede is not included in the WRC2 standings. Overall, Spaniard Alejandro Cachón (Toyota) leads the standings.

WRC – Central European Rally
The classification of SS6:

The classification of ES6 – RC2:

Friday, October 17
8h30 - SS3 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Granit und Wald 1 – 10.86 km
9h20 - SS4 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Böhmerwald 1 – 15.27 km
11h20 - SS5 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Col de Jan 1 – 23.37 km
14h45 - SS6 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Col de Jan 2 – 23.37 km
17h20 - SS7 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Böhmerwald 2 – 15.27 km
18h15 - SS8 (Canal+ Sport 360) – Granit und Wald 2 – 10.86 km

Follow the progress of the times of this Rally of Chile in real time via the official WRC live timing.

ALSO READ > WRC 2025 Central Europe Rally: Friday's full schedule