SS7-9 – Neuville widens lead

After going through special stages that had not been used for several years yesterday, Rally Spain resumed this Saturday morning on much better known timed sections. Like the first stage, the day started in the fog, before it quickly dissipated to give way to a clear sun.

In these dry conditions, Thierry neuville was able to express himself perfectly by securing the three best times in the program. On a road finally “dirtier than expected” Due to his starting position (tenth today, third Friday), the Belgian still suffered from understeer but he nevertheless stood out in the general classification against Elfyn evans, relegated to midday at 9 “. Gone “too cautiously”, the Welshman also spoke of difficulties in running the Yaris WRC.

On the last step of the podium, Sebastien Ogier meanwhile lost contact with the two leading men. Lacking confidence on Friday, the Frenchman was nevertheless satisfied early in the morning at the wheel of a car. “better”, without however being able to reduce the gap at the outposts. Worse, he even saw Dani Sordo return to his exhausts at only 0 “2.

Behind Kalle Rovanperä lonely in fifth place, Adrien Fourmaux has consolidated its position with the manner. Still looking for experience in the Ford Fiesta WRC, the driver M-Sport stood out by signing a convincing second fastest time in SS8 (1 “7 behind an untouchable Neuville). The morning was much less prolific for his teammate, however. Gus Greensmith, which lost two positions following a puncture (SS9).

The second day continues this Saturday from 2:14 pm with the second passage in the Savallà special and its 14.08 km. The Spanish Rally can be followed in its entirety on Motorsport.com.

Morning scratches

SS7: T. Neuville

SS8: T. Neuville

ES9: T. Neuville

Rallye d’Espagne – Classification after SS9