Torsby (Sweden) (AFP)
Briton Elfyn Evans (Toyota) led Friday after the first day of a Swedish Rally shortened due to the weather, while his French team-mate Sébastien Ogier was in 4th place.
On the provisional podium, the champion of the race was ahead of the Estonian Ott Tänak (Hyundai), reigning world champion and winner of the 2019 edition, and his other teammate, the Finnish Kalle Rovanperä, by 8 sec 5 / 10 and 14 sec 3/10 respectively.
Ogier was 8/10 behind the leader.
The Rally of Sweden, the second round of the WRC World Championship and the only event to be contested in 100% winter conditions, has been shortened due to the lack of snow and ice. It started on Friday morning and should end on Sunday, weather permitting.
As it stands, the course of the 2020 edition only includes ten specials instead of 19, i.e. 169.74 km timed instead of 300, around Torsby (west-central Sweden).
Saturday, three special stages between Sweden and Norway - identical to those of Friday - are on the program, followed by a 2.8 km sprint.
© 2020 AFP