With only 266.12 km against the clock, the numerous WRC2 competitors had no room for error. Started at the start of the afternoon in the wake of a ridiculous shakedown on a track not at all representative of the rest of the route, the first stage included 2 special stages to be run twice without returning to service between laps. At the end of these 77.82 km, it was once again surprising to note that it is not only in Rally1 that position on the road plays a role, with the first WRC2 cars being forced to follow the track . In these conditions, it is not surprising to see this evening that a crew starting a little further down in the starting order is in command.
Winner of the first special, Sami Pajari took the lead, relayed by Pierre-Louis Loubet in SS2. The two drivers exchanged positions after SS3 and this time the Finn retained the lead in the final stretch of the day. With an 18”3 lead, the young Scandinavian will not be forced to take all the risks tomorrow. Author of a best time, Loubet, as briefly in Portugal, demonstrated that he is confident with the Skoda Fabia RS. Corsica created a short margin over the Toyotas of Jan Solans 3e and Georg Linnamäe 4e.
Forced to keep track in WRC2, Yohan Rossel initially limited the damage by completing the first loop on 4e rank. A puncture in SS3 ruined all his efforts and pushed him back 15e.
Still looking for the best pace on earth, Nicolas Ciamin had a complicated Friday. Giving up a lot of time in each section, he is at 14 this eveninge place of WRC2.
After a short night’s sleep in Alghero, the competitors will set off on Saturday for a very long stage of 149 km timed. 8 special stages are on the program, with groups of 2 SS to be contested twice. The absence of a service park tomorrow should lead to a day full of twists and turns.
Provisional WRC2 classification after the first stage
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