Dramatic third IRC win for Loix

Freddy Loix has won Barum Czech Rally Zlín following a dramatic climax to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge qualifier.

Loix, who has now won on each of his three starts in the series this year, began the final stage 3.8s in front of Bryan Bouffier.

But when Bouffier was forced to stop to reattach a hose in his Peugeot’s engine after it became dislodged going over a compression, Loix was able to cruise to victory with Juho Hänninen second.

Pavel Valoušek won the stage and inherited third place when Kris Meeke was slowed by a differential glitch. The Czech’s result ensured a podium lockout for the Škoda marque.

Overall positions after SS17: