Sébastien Ogier gritted his "teeth" and reclaimed the leadership of Rally de Portugal. Mikko Hirvonen is now 38.1s behind the Volkswagen driver.
In the arm wrestling between Mikko Hirvonen and Sébastian Ogier, the Ford driver is clearly losing ground. After finishing yesterday in the lead, Hirvonen lost the lead in the Rally de Portugal to a ballistic Ogier! It was notorious, in the way the Volkswagen driver attacked the specials in Algarve lands, that his objective was just one: to leave for tomorrow (last day) in the outstanding leadership of the Rally.
In a single day, the world champion in title won a «massive» 44.4s(!) to his main rival. Without a doubt, a resounding show of strength from the Volkswagen team.
The discussion for 3rd place is also practically resolved. Mads Ostberg, managed to gain 20 sec. to Dani Sordo's Hyundai, which follows in 4th place. A day that was particularly tough for Ott Tanak (pictured below), who was doing an excellent rally (he was in 2nd place) until he crashed on the stage in Malhão.
Tomorrow will be the last day of Rally de Portugal, with three specials to go – one for São Brás de Alportel (16.21 km) and two for Loulé (13.83 km).
Photos: Ledger Car / Thommy Van Esveld