Oliveira fights on after illness

Daniel Oliveira is back in action on day two of the Acropolis Rally following his enforced exit on Friday morning when he was unable to continue due to illness.

The Brazil World Rally Team driver completed Friday’s first stage in 14th overall but elected to withdraw on the road section heading to the next run. It had been erroneously reported that it was co-driver Carlos Magalhaes who felt unwell.

Following a day of rest and recuperation, Oliveira is back competing and running at the head of the field in his Stohl Racing-run Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

“I’ve been feeling sick for the whole week, but [on Friday] I woke up feeling even worse,” said the 26-year-old. “My body wasn’t responding and I couldn’t keep myself fully concentrated. I needed a rest, I couldn’t continue rallying this way.”

Oliveira set the 15th fastest time on Saturday’s opening run after suffering a small spin in the middle part of the stage. Ott Tanak, who is running one place behind him on the road in his M-Sport Fiesta, was 12th quickest.