Day 2, SS5: Ogier (VW) in the lead and a different winnter in each stage!

23/10/2015

After the spectacular stage yesterday through the streets of Barcelona, which was followed by more than 20,000 spectators, the 51 RallyRACC is seeing a really amazing second day, with unusual changes in the lead and some of the drivers least expected to be on top are taking advantage of their situation in the starting list to achieve great results.

A really effective Sébastien Ogier (Volkswagen) with his usual extraordinary race strategy, finished the first loop of the day in the lead. In any case, the four stages already held today had four different stage winners: Hayden Paddon (Hyundai) in 'Móra d'Ebre-Ascó', Robert Kubica (Ford) in 'Caseres', Ott Tänak (Ford) in 'Bot' and Jari-Matti Latvala (VW) in the 'Terra Alta' mixed stage, which, added to Ogier's (VW) win yesterday in Barcelona, means there were: 5 stages and 5 different winners!

Still left to be seen is if the how the drivers will evolve during the second look, but what is already clear is that this mixed gravel day is being an excellent start for a rally which outcome is, for now, very uncertain. Driving quality, avoiding mistakes and tyre management will be the most important qualities to get a place on top.

This afternoon's stages will start after a short pause to change tyres in Ascó, but without service, which also contributes to keep the outcome of this first day unpredictable.

Provisional standings of the 51 RallyRACC after stage 5
1-Sébastien Ogier-Julien Ingrassia (Volkswagen Polo R WRC), 44'52''2
2-Jari-Matti Latvala-Miikka Anttila (Volkswagen Polo R WRC), a 0''8
3-Ott Tänak-Raigo Molder (Ford Fiesta RS WRC), a 2''5
4-Dani Sordo-Marc Martí (Hyundai i20 WRC), a 9''7
5-Mads Otsberg-Jonas Andersson (Citroën DS3 WRC), a 17''3