Salou (Spain) (AFP)
The Briton Elfyn Evans (Toyota), 2nd in the world championship, took control of the Rally of Spain after the first three stages on Friday, while the leader of the championship Sébastien Ogier (Toyota) is 3rd at 12.6 seconds.
The Frenchman, who has a realistic first chance for an 8th world title this weekend, started slowly this 11th out of 12 round on the asphalt of Catalonia, finishing behind his ultimate championship rival, Evans, and Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) .
But there are still 14 specials on the program until Sunday, including three on Friday afternoon (from 3 p.m.).
"I know I was too careful, I have to wake up until the next one," said the Frenchman at the end of the first special.
"The one who had a good awakening was Elfyn!" Continued the Frenchman after the second special, having lost time again on the Welshman.
Neuville, 3rd in the championship but who can no longer win the title, slipped between the two rivals Toyota, 2nd 7.9 seconds behind Evans.
Spaniard Dani Sordo (Hyundai) is 4th at 16.7 seconds, followed by Finland's Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) and Estonian Ott Tänak (Hyundai), who also gave up all hope in the championship, respectively at 25.1 and Evans' 33.1 seconds.
© 2021 AFP