Sunday
SS18:
----------------------------------
SS19:
----------------------------------
SS20: Latvala and Mikkelsen neck and neck
Less than a second divided team-mates Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen in their fierce fight for second place at Spain’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada after Sunday's opening loop of speed tests.
Fastest time in Els Guiamets and Pratdip enabled Mikkelsen to cut Latvala's advantage to just 0.4sec. But Latvala stopped the clocks quickest in Duesaigues to widen the gap to 0.9sec with just a repeat of the three stages remaining.
Latvala opted for two spare tyres in his Volkswagen Polo R and the Finn felt the decision unsettled the balance.
"I was fighting with the car in the tight and twisty section. The extra spare makes the car understeer and I can’t get out of the exits of the corners. It probably wasn’t the cleverest choice. Andreas is pushing very hard so I’m struggling a bit," said Latvala.
Mikkelsen made a couple of small mistake in the last test, and the Norwegian admitted he had his mind on securing third in the drivers championship as well as fighting Latvala.
The pair pulled clear of Dani Sordo who ended the loop almost 15sec adrift of Mikkelsen.
None of this mattered to Sebastien Ogier who cruised through to head Latvala by 49.0sec.
Kris Meeke spun and stalled Citroen’s DS 3 in Pratdip to hand fifth back to team-mate Mads Ostberg. “The corner just tightened on us. Rather than trying to risk it, I pulled the handbrake and spun us around,” said the Ulsterman.
Thierry Neuville locked a wheel and spun his Hyundai i20 under braking in the same test. It cost the Belgian a place as Hayden Paddon regained seventh, but only 9.4sec covered them.
Robert Kubica’s eventful rally continued when the Pole crumpled the front of his Ford Fiesta RS (below) by hitting a barrier after a pace note mix-up.
click:
wrc.com/spain-ss20/
----------------------------------
SS21:
----------------------------------
SS22:
----------------------------------
SS23:
Andreas Mikkelsen scored his maiden WRC victory in Spain’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada on Sunday when Sebastien Ogier crashed out of the lead in the final speed test.
The Norwegian beat Volkswagen Polo R team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala by 3.1sec when Ogier smashed into a roadside barrier just a handful of kilometres from the finish. Spaniard Dani Sordo finished third in a Hyundai i20, a further 18.1sec behind.
Mikkelsen also won the final live TV Power Stage to claim three bonus points. Latvala took two points in second and Citroen’s Kris Meeke took the final point in a DS 3.
Ogier crash gifts Mikkelsen maiden win
Andreas Mikkelsen claimed his maiden WRC victory at Spain’s RallyRACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada on Sunday when world champion Sebastien Ogier crashed out of the lead in the final speed test.
In a hugely dramatic finale, Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Floene finished the last stage and learned they had edged Volkswagen team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala for what should have been second after a fierce final day fight.
Seconds later the Norwegian was informed that Ogier had smashed his similar Polo R into a metal roadside barrier less than 4km from the finish, ripping the rear right wheel from the car.
Mikkelsen was stunned into silence as he realised the significance of his colleague’s error. It was his first WRC win in 64 attempts and kept alive his hopes of pipping Latvala for second in the drivers’ standings at next month’s final round in Britain.
“It was absurd because Ogier never makes mistakes so when they told me I didn't believe it. It was a big surprise, and although it’s not the way I want to win a rally, we’ve been so close so many times that I feel I really deserve this one,” said 26-year-old Mikkelsen.
more:
wrc.com/spain-sunday
----------------------------------
Next Rnd13-Wales RallyGB Nov12-15
History
Founded in 1932, 367 crews entered the inaugural Royal Automobile Club Rally.
Introduction of forest roads in 1960 transformed the rally into what we know today.
Route formerly included loops around England, Scotland and Wales but the rally has been based solely in Wales since 2000.
Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium hosted the WRC's first indoor stage in 2005.
What’s new for 2015
Ceremonial start switches to Llandudno town centre.
Return of classic stages Myherin and Great Orme to the itinerary.
Don’t miss
Superb viewing at Sweet Lamb’s famous arena on Friday. Drivers tackle the test twice.
Sunday’s Great Orme stage. Find a location high on the rock and look down on the competitors as they wind around the headland with stunning views of the sea below.
Official Website:
walesrallygb
Listen Live:
wrc.com/live_popup_radio
WRC+ : Live Stages/Live Maps/Onboard Action/Full Highlights
plus.wrc.com/
...