News and quotes SS 4 (Böhmerwald 1)

On the first run of the Böhmerwald special stage, it was once again Sébastien Ogier who was first to sweep away the light dust covering the track. The drivers behind him rewarded him with the fastest times: Kalle Rovanperä left the Frenchman 2.1 seconds behind on the 15.27 km stage, setting a benchmark that no one else could match. Behind the Finn, the following drivers lined up with some of them separated by razor-thin margins. Nevertheless, Ogier retains the lead he has over his brand colleague Rovanperä by 0.6 seconds ahead of the decisive Col de Jan special stage.

#17 Sébastien Ogier (FRA) / Vincent Landais (FRA), Toyota GR Yaris Rally

‘I'm not satisfied, but it was okay. The track is dusty and could improve further. The changing grip conditions and the dust didn't make it easy, so my run was okay. The next stage will be more tricky.‘

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

‘It was okay. It was difficult to read the grip, especially with the soft tyres. I'm at the limit and trying to find a good rhythm.’

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

"That was pretty good. The track wasn't as slippery as the previous stage. I was able to pick up more speed. I could be even bolder in some places. The next stage will be the most difficult of the whole weekend.‘

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

’The stage was surprisingly difficult. The first stage today had straights and junctions, but this one was more twisty. I'm trying to take more risks."

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

"This stage didn't go well. I'm having problems with the balance. The grip isn't consistent. I don't know if it's the tyres or if we need to change something on the car. Until we figure that out, I can't attack 100 percent. The next stage will be a challenge, but we have no choice. We have to get through it.‘

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

’Finally, there was less dirt and it was easier to drive. I'm still a bit hesitant in the forest sections, I need to improve that."

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

‘I was cautious in some sections because of the dirt. I'm having a few problems with the balance and the tyres. The upcoming stage will certainly be the key point of this rally.’

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

‘That went much better. The stage was really good. The next stage will be completely different and more difficult.’

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

‘I'm trying to push harder. There was mud on the track in the forest sections. I'm doing my best. It's not ideal, but we're trying to keep up.’