Ott Tanak finished the first stage of the maiden Rally Saudi Arabia in first place, but tomorrow the hard times begin for the crews!
Jameel Motorsport Super Special made a splash at the first Rally Saudi Arabia in WRC history, but it was nothing more than a…dusting off (sic) in view of the tough and demanding continuation of the race, through sand, hard terrain and stones.
So, with only one stage today after the established shakedown, the Rally1 participating in this three-day event are separated by just 17.6 seconds, spearheaded by the outgoing Estonian from Hyundai. Tanak ended the day 1.2 seconds ahead of Ogier, with the Frenchman from Toyota following.
It may be too early, but it is a positive start for Ogier, who is three points behind leader Elfyn Evans, who will start first tomorrow, clearing the race line for the rest.
A good start and an impressive third place for Martins Sesks with M-Sport, while Neuville and Evans followed for the top-5.
“I am not sure about our pace, I hope the reliability is better than the previous races this year. This race is a normal test, let’s find out. We have to chase it,” said overall leader Tanak.
As for Ogier, the Frenchman does not think that a faster time than Evans today means anything.
“We are mature enough to know that only tomorrow the real race starts. Today, you can only lose the race, not win it.”
The Welshman, who is chasing his first title as a Rally driver, commented: “To get to the end of one thing here, that in itself is a challenge. But we have to drive mentally this three days. We will see how it develops. We will give our best.”
Rovanpera and Pajari followed for Toyota, while Fourmaux, Katsuta, Munster and McErlean rounded out the top ten.
He may have been quicker in the morning shakedown, but Finn Rovanpera, who is also a mathematical title contender, called his afternoon drive “disgusting”, as he is already 2.5 seconds off the top.
“In terms of driving, this performance was pretty disgusting. Too much understeer and I felt awful the whole way. Let’s hope for something better on the gravel tomorrow.”
7 special stages are on the menu tomorrow, where the real test of endurance for the cars and crews begins.
