Evgeny Novikov in command on the Greek gravel

Second special stage, also the last one of the day, saw Evgeny Novikov adding more seconds to the already quite big gap for the 30.3 seconds advantage over Dani Sordo. Novikov was playing it safe, but quick on the 26 kilometer stage, keeping true to his plan of staying out of trouble by pushing at a comfortable pace.

“Good stage, clean run, we’re looking forward to tomorrow”, was brief recap of the second stage by Evgeny.

Dani Sordo finishes the day in second place, also keeping himself on the road, and out of the harms way, for a solid performance and trouble free run in a day which saw favourites dropping like flies. Great confidence boost for the Citroën driver, and he needs that ahead of tomorrow’s super challenging set of timed tests.

Jari-Matti Latvala is in third, and was only complaining on the slight steering problems, but nothing major. He was also quick to reassure everyone that handbrake issues are gone, as they would be after the better part of his car’s rear transmission was replaced in service.

Sebastien Ogier is hoping for same kind of service success, if he’s to rejoin the action tomorrow as Rally 2 competitor. He was forced to retire today on the first stage, due to fuel pressure problem.

Latvala is 8.8 seconds behind Sordo, and has 12 seconds advantage over Thierry Neuvile – it’s just one of the many battles we can look forward to tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in WRC 2, Robert Kubica is driving like a master. Experience he gathered so far this year is being put to good use, and for now, he leads the standings. He can even afford to have an off or two, and still remain fastest. Superb performance by the Pole, and on one of the harshest events of the year.