News and quotes SS 11 (Klatovy 1)

The second Czech stage in Klatovy offered the starters dry asphalt and good track conditions, especially as there were significantly fewer autumn leaves and mud on the track. The first starters on the track still had to contend with a light dusting of dust, which became less and less as the cars passed. Accordingly, the times continued to improve here as well. This time, Toyota driver Takamoto Katsuta took the stage win ahead of Ott Tänak in his Hyundai. As Kalle Rovanperä was just under a second faster than Elfyn Evans in third place, he was able to extend his lead in the overall standings to just over 39 seconds.

#33 Elfyn Evans (GBR) / Scott Martin (GBR), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

‘Ogier's retirement doesn't change anything for me. The stage didn't go particularly well. I just don't feel comfortable in the car. We still have a lot of work to do.’

#69 Kalle Rovanperä (FIN) / Jonne Halttunen (FIN), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

‘I'm not taking any excessive risks. I'm trying to enjoy the stages. I feel sorry for Seb and I hope they're both okay. It looked like a nasty accident. We're now focusing on maintaining our performance.’

#8 Ott Tänak (EST) / Martin Järveoja (EST), Hyundai i20 N Rally1

‘That was a good run.’

#1 Thierry Neuville (BEL) / Martijn Wydaeghe (BEL), Hyundai i20 N Rally1

‘That was okay. We are trying to have a bit more fun. As the previous stage was no fun at all, this one was better. The grip conditions are constantly changing and there were a few surprises.’

#18 Takamoto Katsuta (JPN) / Aaron Johnston (IRL), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

‘It wasn't easy. The track was very uneven. I need to see where we stand now and then prepare for the second run.’

#16 Adrien Fourmaux (FRA) / Alexandre Coria (FRA), Hyundai i20 N Rally1

‘We're lacking performance. We couldn't do much in these conditions. At least I enjoyed driving.’

#5 Sami Pajari (FIN) / Marko Salminen (FIN), Toyota GR Yaris Rally1

‘The stage was surprisingly difficult. There were some very slippery sections. I couldn't attack fully. In some places, I went a little too wide. It wasn't a clean run.’

#13 Grégoire Munster (LUX) / Louis Louka (BEL), Ford Puma Rally1

‘The track is very dusty, especially at the end. It will certainly get faster and faster. Otherwise, you could drive very fast and cleanly.’

#55 Joshua McErlean (IRL) / Eoin Treacy (IRL), Ford Puma Rally1

‘The grip isn't as good as last year.’