After SS2 : Neuville extends Corsica lead

Thierry Neuville has claimed his second stage victory of Tour de Corse-E.Leclerc after winning the repeat of the 27.53-kilometre Le Fangu-Notre Dame de la Serra test.

Neuville completed the stage with the rear brakes of his Team Peugeot Belgium-Luxembourg 207 Super 2000 on fire such was his commitment through the run. As a result the 22-year-old has grown his lead over Jan Kopecký to 8.9s.

Freddy Loix stiffened up the rear suspension of his Škoda Fabia Super 2000 at afternoon service and said the changes had improved the “feeling” of his car, after he went second fastest to move ahead of Peugeot UK’s Guy Wilks into fifth overall.

With his loose steering wheel rectified in service Bryan Bouffier was far more satisfied at the end of the stage in his Peugeot France S2000. “The car was moving a bit but it’s okay,” said Bouffier, who overtakes Andreas Mikkelsen in the overall standings to third overall.

Mikkelsen said he avoided “pushing the limit too far” in his Škoda UK Motorsport Fabia, adding: “We were getting in a good rhythm and that’s what it’s all about.”

Crews are now returning to Calvi for the final service and overnight halt.

Overall standings after SS2: