Car #1 S. Ogier / J. Ingrassia (Volkswagen Polo R WRC): “ Bit tough, tyres quite on the limit but with so much loose the softs are all I can do here I am gonna lose some time. But OK so far”. [Ogier out… checking the tyres. Even only 22kms into tyres].
Car #9 A. Mikkelsen / A. Yaener Syinnevaag (Volkswagen Polo R WRC):“We had to try something with the tyres. Two stages to go, we will see… much cleaning to do so it is very difficult”.
Car #5 M. Ostberg / O. Floene (Ford Fiesta RS WRC): “I think I got tyres choice right. It was confusing to fit the right ones before this stage but the car is working well”.
Car #3 H. Paddon / J. Kennard (Hyundai New Generation I20 WRC): “The first stage was OK with these tyres, but here there was no breaking grip it was hard to brake with the hard tyres. For the whole loop it will be the best strategy”. [H front, S rear]
Car #4 D. Sordo / M. Marti (Hyundai New Generation I20 WRC): “Very very slippery everywhere. Next stage should be better”.
Car #2 J.-M. Latvala / M. Anttila (Volkswagen Polo R WRC): “Difficult to say what is the right tyre choice. We had oversteering and understeering problems so the balance was not great, but you have to think to the whole loop. I think we have a good plan”. [H front, S rear]
Car #12 O. Tanak / R. Molder (Ford Fiesta RS WRC): “We had some problems at the end of the stage very difficult to drive on this road. the tyres are too hot now. I did my best”.
Car #20 T. Neuville / N. Gilsoul (Hyundai New Generation I20 WRC): “I do not know how it’s possible for him [Ogier] to do these times. They must have a lot of traction. I had a pretty good stage. The balance is a bit strange with soft on the rear. I felt the car was going well and I was driving well, the time is quite surprising”. [shaking head]
Car #6 E. Camilli / B. Veillas (Ford Fiesta RS WRC): “I had a big problem right after the start, probably it’s the rear diff. I felt something strange with the front-right. I thought it was a tyre but I am not sure. I hope to get through the next stages”.
Car #21 M. Prokop / J. Tomanek (Ford Fiesta RS WRC): “Conditions of the stage are OK, but the feeling with the car is strange. The rear is not working well, the balance is not right. Maybe it’s the anti-roll bar. I will have to check”. [Clearly not looking happy]
