After SS6: Magalhães back in front

After SS4: Magalhães back in front

Bruno Magalhães has moved back into the lead of Sata Rallye Açores, round seven of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, following a dramatic start to Friday’s second leg.

The Portuguese was fastest through the 7.50-kilometre Batalha Golfe stage and now leads Andreas Mikkelsen by 1.3s.

Juho Hänninen, the overnight leader, has slipped behind Škoda team-mate Jan Kopecký to fourth overall after picking up a front-left puncture four kilometres from the end of the stage. Kris Meeke, who was set to capitalise by starting in sixth on the road, also suffered a front-left deflation one kilometre earlier and is now almost 30 seconds off the lead.

After SS5: First stage win for Kopecký

Bruno Magalhães has extended his lead of Sata Rallye Açores following the 7.47-kilometre Feteiras stage. But it was Jan Kopecký (pictured) who took the stage win to move up to second and stake his claim for victory on the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

Defending IRC champion Kris Meeke was third fastest but is 29.7s off the lead following his puncture on stage four.

After SS6: More Azores woe for ace Meeke

The drama continues on Sata Rallye Açores after defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Kris Meeke suffered a 360-degree spin on the spectacular Sete Cidades stage, which runs around the rim of an inactive volcano.

Peugeot UK driver Meeke, the winner in the Azores last year, was on course for the fastest time only to hit trouble late on and drop 45.5s off the pace in fifth overall.

Bruno Magalhães, who unlike most of his rivals is carrying one spare tyre as opposed to two, won the 18.30-kilometre stage to extend his lead to 9.4s over Škoda’s Jan Kopecký.

Andreas Mikkelsen is third with overnight leader Juho Hänninen fourth, 20.3s behind Magalhães.

Crews are now returning to service in Ponta Delgada before the next loop of three stages.

Overall standings after SS6: