The New Zealand Rally is underway.
Kalle Rovanperä is trying to secure the world championship in New Zealand. PDO
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New Zealand WC Rally, situation 6/17:
1. Sébastien Ogier, Toyota
2. Elfyn Evans, Toyota +5.6
3. Ott Tänak, Hyundai +6.6
4. Kalle Rovanperä +11.7
5. Gus Greensmith, Ford +33.9
6. Thierry Neuville, Hyundai +49.6
In the New Zealand rally, five special stages (2–6) were run from late Thursday evening until Friday morning Finnish time.
The leading position of the race, which changed a few times during the night, is currently by Sébastien Ogier in possession. Naturally, at this point, the battle for victory remains second in interest to the championship, where Kalle Rovanperä has had a hard time Ott Tänak too with.
During the night, Tänak pulled away from Rovanperä, but the counterattack came in the sixth heat, when the Finn covered his worst rival by 5.6 seconds. It meant that the gap with the Estonian Hyundai driver narrowed to 5.1 seconds in the overall race.
The Finn’s driving was made easier by the rain that fell from the sky, which softened the rally paths.
– Fortunately, it was really muddy here, so hopefully we have enough tires for the next one, said Rovanperä, who is fourth in the race, in an interview at the finish area.
Third in the World Championship point statistics Thierry Neuville lost to Rovanpera with ek-6 by 8.7 seconds. The gap with the Belgian has been created quickly, already by more than half a minute.
The biggest drama during the night was the one who was in good shape by Craig Breen exit on the fifth special test. The Irishman had to go off the road with his car in the same corner as the rally legend Colin McRae 20 years ago. Breen was eventually able to continue the trip, but later stopped.
In the New Zealand rally, one more special stage will be run on Friday morning, which will start at 7:03.