The Swedes, who drive for Audi, were fastest in the prologue.

And in Saudi Arabia, where the first leg is run, they impressed once again.

Ekström and Bergkvist drove in third, 47 seconds behind the winner Carlos Sainz Sr.

- It went well.

Between 50 and 100 kilometers we had a really good flow in the driving.

But when we gathered ourselves, we noticed that maybe we were too fast, then we calmed down a bit and finished in third place, says Mattias Ekström.

- We are very satisfied with the day.

But later new information came - you are penalized with a time extension of 15 minutes.

This means that you drop from third place to place 14. It is not yet known why you were penalized.

The rally continues tomorrow.

Then the 590 kilometer long second stage awaits.

CLIP: Seel on the anniversary: ​​"I'm so very happy" (December 31, 2022)

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Seel about the anniversary: ​​"I am so very happy" Photo: Bildbyrån