Andreas Mikkelsen (Hyundai), leader after the first three stages

06/10/2017

With perfect weather conditions featuring a sunny morning and temperatures over 20º C, the 53 RallyRACC started the usual gravel day with 70 teams starting from PortAventura World.

The three first stages were very agitated as three different teams took the stage win. The first was for Tänak/Järveoja (Ford), the second fastest time went to Meeke/Nagle (Citroën) and the third was for Mikkelsen/Jaeger (Hyundai), which placed them as provisional leaders after this first loop ahead of Tänak, who was leading the overall standings until the second stage.

The differences are very small between the top five, as they are all in less than 10 seconeds, with the Spanish duo Sordo/Martí (Hyundai) slightly further away, 12''3 adrift of the leader. The second overall position is for Østberg/Eriksen (Ford) at 0''6 and the third is for Ogier/Ingrassia, 4''6 away. We have a very exciting second loop ahead then, with the second pass through the Caseres, Bot and Terra Alta stages, which will undoubtedly be decisive ahead of the next two days that will be held on tarmac.