SS10 – Ogier ups the pace for the second round of stages

After the previous day’s challenges presented by the demanding and rocky stages, the drivers were keen to set a good pace on Saturday. With the reversed running order giving him a better road position, Sebastien Ogier could push his new Fiesta to the limit. It was a move that paid off, as he was fastest over the 17.43km stage with a time of 10.46.4s.

Elfyn Evans, who was also eager to make a mark on Saturday, completed a mere 0.2s behind the current champion, while Hyundai Motorsport’s Thierry Neuville was 1.8s off the fastest time.

This morning’s opening stage was reported to be less aggressive than those of the previous day, though grip was an issue for some. However, with five more stages to go including two passes of the gruelling 37.55km Amarante, the drivers will have to work hard to be sure they make it to the end of the day unscathed.