© AFP
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai i20 N Rally1) ends the first day of competition of the Rally of Croatia as leader. However, the Belgian has to share the leading position with Elfyn Evans (Toyota Yaris), who has exactly the same time after eight stages. Sébastien Ogier (Toyota Yaris Rally1) is third, 6.6 seconds behind the leaders.
Bron: BELGIAN
Neuville started the second loop of four stages on Friday as the leader. Neuville set the fastest time and was 1.5 sec faster than Elfyn Evans. The Belgian fared less well during the second stage. Neuville suffered a puncture, losing 10 seconds to Evans who set the fastest time and closed within 0.1 seconds of the lead. In the penultimate stage of the day, the Welshman was again the fastest. Neuville lost the lead to Evans. The first day of competition ended with the 23.63 km ride in which Neuville had opened a gap on Friday morning. The Belgian was faster than Evans, meaning both riders had the same time after eight rides.
“It wasn't a great day. I did what I could, but I didn't always have a good feeling,” said Neuville at the finish of KP 8. Ogier won the last stage of the day and made up a large part of his deficit to the leading duo. The difference between the two leaders and Ogier is 6.6 sec.
Grégoire Munster (Ford Puma Rally1) ends the day in eighth. The Belgian Luxembourgian had a difficult day due to his starting position. Eight special stages will be held on Saturday.