Salou (Spain) (AFP)
Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) leads Rally Spain after the first day on Friday ahead of Elfyn Evans (Toyota), 2nd in the world championship, and Sébastien Ogier (Toyota), leader of the championship who has a first chance for the title this weekend. .
After six specials out of 17 in total until Sunday, Neuville is only 0.7 seconds ahead of Evans while Ogier is further behind, 19.4 seconds behind the Belgian.
The French seven-time world champion has during this 11th round of 12 this season a first real opportunity to be titled.
But if the classification remains the same as at the end of this stage, Ogier will see his lead by 24 points reduced, while Evans is the only one who can still deprive him of the title.
First leader of the day, Evans left the rally lead at Neuville after the fifth special on Friday afternoon, when he nearly lost more than his head, hitting the scene on a bend.
More fear than harm for the reigning vice-world champion, who can maintain the suspense in the championship before the last round in Monza (Italy) from 19 to 21 November.
Third in the championship, Neuville is already eliminated from the title race.
Dani Sordo (Hyundai) and Kalle Rovanperä (Toyota) are 4th and 5th in the rally before the second day which starts at 8.44am on Saturday.
© 2021 AFP