SS20: Late drama for Novikov

Evgeny Novikov is out of Rally Guanajuato Mexico after he ripped a wheel off his M-Sport Ford Fiesta two corners from the stage start.

The Russian had been chasing team-mate Ott Tanak for sixth position when disaster struck. Although he attempted to reach the stage finish he was forced to retire as a result of the damage to his car.

“I’m very sorry for him, it was a really good battle,” said Tanak. “I almost hit his upright on the road.”

Volkswagen Motorsport’s Sebastien Ogier clouted an earth bank avoiding a large rock in the middle of the road nearing the stage finish, puncturing a front-left tyre in the process. Armindo Araujo and Mads Ostberg said they had narrowly avoided the obstruction.

Jari-Matti Latvala won the stage from Ford team-mate Petter Solberg. Mikko Hirvonen was third quickest with event leader Sebastien Loeb fourth fastest.