Elfyn Evans loses a lot of time in the second stage due to a puncture and tire change – Sebastien Ogier has a slight advantage in the World Championship battle
After a turbulent second stage at the new rally in Saudi Arabia, Adrien Fourmaux (Hyundai) led the overall standings, a few seconds ahead of Martins Sesks (M-Sport Ford) and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai). In the chasing pack, the World Championship battle intensified in the Toyota camp.
Fourmaux received a one-minute time penalty at the end of the stage, which dropped him back to fourth place. However, this had no effect on the three-way battle for the World Championship. Due to the cleaning effect on the sandy and sometimes very rocky terrain, the three World Championship contenders played no role in the battle for the top of the overall standings after the first stage. Fourmaux was already in the lead after Thursday.
Ogier was seventh (+44.2 seconds), Rovanperä eighth (+1:21.2 minutes) and Evans ninth (+1:25.3). On Friday, the second stage consisted of three special stages, which were driven twice. With 134 kilometers counted, it was the longest day of the rally.
Once again, the cleaning effect played a major role with each car, which is why the World Championship contenders struggled. In a direct comparison with Ogier, Evans continuously lost time in SS9 (Alghullah 1) and SS10 (Um Al Jerem 1).
Key scenes took place in SS11 (Wadi Almatwi). With lots of rocks, it was the toughest special stage of the loop. And both Evans and Rovanperä suffered damage to their Hankook tires.
Evans suffered a flat tire on the rear left after just four of the approximately 25 kilometers of the stage. The Welshman stopped and changed the tire. Rovanperä had his fourth tire problem of the rally. His occurred towards the end of the stage and he was able to limp to the finish.
“There were rocks everywhere,” Evans reported. “I have no idea where or how it happened. When you’re so far behind, there’s not much you can do. It’s frustrating. All is not lost yet, but it’s getting harder by the minute.”
At the midday service, the situation was as follows: Fourmaux led by 2.9 seconds ahead of Sesks, 4.5 seconds ahead of Sami Pajari (Toyota) and 9.2 seconds ahead of Ott Tänak (Hyundai). Ogier was seventh (+1:32.1 minutes), Rovanperä eighth (+1:52.0) and Evans tenth (+4:08.4).
Although everything was going Ogier’s way in the title fight, he didn’t want to talk about a decision at lunchtime: “We don’t want to take any risks. When I saw Elfyn’s puncture, I took a more cautious approach.“
”But actually, not much changes for the race. We have to stay ahead of Kalle.“ The eight-time world champion was not enjoying himself: ”I don’t like playing casino, but that’s how this race is.”
More punctures in the afternoon
In the afternoon loop, the decisive scenes took place in SS13 (Um Al Jerem 2). First, Tänak had to change a punctured tire. Then it was Pajari’s turn. Fourmaux was irritated by the dust from Pajari’s stationary car and missed a turn.
This meant that Sesks led by 22.1 seconds ahead of Fourmaux going into the final stage of the day. Neuville was now third, 50.3 seconds behind. Ogier was sixth, Rovanperä seventh and Evans ninth, having overtaken Gregoire Munster (M-Sport Ford).
In SS14 (Wadi Almatwi 2), Sesks suffered a puncture to his left rear tire, but so did Fourmaux to his left front! Both made it to the finish. Fourmaux retook the lead, 2.4 seconds ahead of Sesks. The tire problems suffered by both drivers allowed Neuville to close the gap to 5.8 seconds.
Fourmaux was then given a one-minute time penalty for checking in too early at the control point before the service park. This puts Sesks 3.4 seconds ahead of Neuville. Takamoto Katsuta (Toyota/+41.5) moved up to third place. Fourmaux dropped back to fourth.
Rovanperä set the fastest time in SS14. At the same time, Ogier had a slow puncture, allowing the Finn to overtake him. Rovanperä is fifth (+1:15.0 minutes) and Ogier sixth (+1:15.2).
With Tänak dropping out of the top 10 due to tire problems, Evans moved up to eighth place (+3:55.0). As things stand, Ogier would collect eight World Championship points and Evans four. This would give Ogier a one-point lead in the World Championship standings.
With a 19-point deficit, Rovanperä would remain in an underdog position. A maximum of ten bonus points are also up for grabs in tomorrow’s third stage. The rally ends on Saturday with three special stages. The Power Stage begins at 11:15 a.m. German time.
