Mikkelsen says catching Meeke unlikely

Andreas Mikkelsen has conceded he will struggle to regain fourth place from Kris Meeke on Sata Rallye Açores.

The Norwegian slipped behind Meeke on the ninth stage of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge counter and faces the prospect of starting first on the road on Saturday’s final leg if he remains in fifth position.

“Kris is doing everything he can to catch the other guys in front of him,” said Mikkelsen. “I will try to push but maybe it will be too difficult now. We’re really struggling for grip when there is not the grip on the road and there is nothing we can do.”

Mikkelsen, driving an M-Sport Ford Fiesta S2000, claimed his first IRC stage victory on Thursday’s opening leg and started leg two 0.2s off the overall lead.