Cows on road force stage axe

Stage 14 of Sata Rallye Açores has been cancelled after Andreas Mikkelsen, running second on the road, struck a cow that had strayed onto the course.

Mikkelsen stopped to alert event officials of the hazard and the stage was subsequently suspended.

His M-Sport team has confirmed he drove slowly through the remainder of stage and reached the refuel zone.

Damage to his Ford Fiesta S2000 is believed to be largely cosmetic and he is likely to continue.

Stage 15, Tronqueira 1, will now start at 12:03hrs local time with the rally now running 30 minutes behind schedule.

Mikkelsen started the 14th stage of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event in fifth overall.