The Volkswagen Motorsport drivers continued to dominate on the tenth stage of 2013 Vodafone Rally de Portugal. Sebastien Ogier was again fastest – his third stage win in a row, now saying that he was feeling better from the virus that has been affecting him all week.
Second fastest again was team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, 3.6s slower and dropping further back in the overall standings. Third was Citroen Total Abu Dhabi WRT driver Mikko Horvonen with Mads Ostberg fourth fastest, complaining of very rough conditions and a dirty road at the head of the field, after the first run through this morning.
Nasser al-Attiyah was fifth fastest, keen to ensure that charging VW driver Andreas Mikkelsen stayed behind him.
There were more problems within the stage; Martin Prokop suffered a broken rear driveshaft while Michal Kozsciuszko’s car cut out in the stage and refused to restart for some time. Robert Kubica also stopped in the stage, with a reported transmission problem.
Car 2, Hirvonen/Lehtinen
“We will see if the tyres [strategy] pays off. It is really hard for the tyres and we are trying to keep some for the last stage. It’s not too bad.”
Car 4, Ostberg/Andersson
“We are still cleaning the road a lot. Perhaps even worse in some places. The lines are very strange and there is a lot of dust on our lines. They are not WRCar lines. It makes it very difficult. We are trying to have some fun and enjoy the sun.”
Car 5, Novikov/Minor
“There is some problem with the car, it started in the stage. There is something with the steering wheel – it is not straight. We didn't hit anything so I hope it is not bad. We will try to fix it now.”
Car 6, Al-Attyah/Bernacchini
“We try to push this afternoon as we are battling with Mikkelsen and we try to keep our position. We had good times from the morning’s stages so I am happy with this stage.”
Car 7, Latvala/Anttila
“I saw Mikko had new tyres and I had used ones. I could not take the risk with the 52km stage tomorrow [on used tyres]. When it is clean, it has been surprisingly good with used tyres. It will be interesting to see on the next one. I am trying to really concentrate on the surface and be smooth on the braking.”
Car 8, Ogier/Ingrassia
“This was a good stage for us. No problems at all. I think with the tyres, it is OK. One stage to go, so we will see. I have given everything I have and it is going better and better. I am OK.”
Car 9, Mikkelsen/Markkula
“We are trying to save some tyres for tomorrow. We have some spares which are well used but we’re trying to drive smart. Not full attack and keep some for tomorrow.”
Car 10, Al Qassimi/Martin
“Still I am losing time but I don't know where. But the speed is better than this morning. There are a lot of things to work together and for sure, it is better than this morning.”
Car 12, Kosciuszko/Szczepaniak
“The car stopped on the stage – we lost electricity and finally it started again. I don't know what happened.”
Car 15, Kuipers/Buysmans
“My feeling was quite good. It's a bit slippery in some places but for me, the feeling is good and it is going well. It is going better and better and it is a long rally. The next stage is very difficult as well.”
Car 21, Prokop/Ernst
“It looks like the rear driveshaft is broken. So we were just trying to keep the speed in the long straights but in the corners, the car is almost stopping. I was braking to a hairpin in the tarmac section and hit a wall but luckily we are here.”
Car 31, Lappi/Ferm
“I am happy with the pace. The gap is very big so we are driving carefully now and get to the finish.”
Car 32, Wiegand/Christian
“Now the tyres are better than the run before. Everything is fine and I am enjoying the rally.”
Car 48, Al-Kuwari/Duffy
“It is getting much rougher. There are deep ruts in the road and rocks all over the place. I missed two junctions and had to reverse.”
Car 51, Chardonnet/De La Haye
“Now I have to manage to get to the finish without a problem. Foe me, this is a new experience. I prefer pushing. Now I need to be quick enough but not take any risks.”
Car 59, Bouffier/Panseri
“We are trying to be reliable, not make mistakes and make sure the car does not suffer too much, as it is rougher than before. This one is OK.”
Car 79, Barrable/Loudon
“I am enjoying the event, especially this stage. I saw Robert [Kubica] stopped in the stage. The car looked fine, just parked by the side of the road.”
Car 83, Magalhães/Silva
“I am enjoying the event a lot. I am pushing a lot but I need to be careful – my two competitors are out and I need to think about the position. I am behind a Mitsubishi and feel it is possible to get the win and I hope tomorrow I can get enough time to win.”