The first morning of Rally Poland on Friday was already lively with a cancelled special stage, SS3, because the safety of spectators was not ensured, and the retirement for the day of Ott Tänak (Hyundai) after damaging his radiator in a collision with a deer in SS2. The Estonian, despite being among the favourites for this gravel event, has already lost any chance of getting on the podium.
At the end of SS4, delayed by a few minutes following the cancellation of SS3, it was Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai) – who took full advantage of his starting position on the road (8th) – who took control of the rally after dominating SS2 and SS4. The Norwegian was 7.4 seconds ahead of the surprising Latvian Martins Sesks, who is making his Rally1 debut in a Ford Puma without a hybrid system. Third place was occupied by Elfyn Evans (Toyota), 11.9 seconds behind, who nevertheless struggled to find the right rhythm in his Yaris.
Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota), who replaced Sébastien Ogier after the Frenchman’s road accident on Tuesday during reconnaissance, did well with 4th place at 14″2, ahead of the solid Adrien Fourmaux (Ford Puma) , 5th at 15″1. Thierry Neuville (Hyundai), logically hampered by his opening position, lost 22″ in SS2 alone, 29.4 km long, and another 11″7 in SS4. The Belgian nevertheless managed to win SS3, which was only completed by four drivers before the cancellation. The Championship leader is 7th at 32.2″ and should lose further ground in the afternoon loop.
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