PWRC Saturday wrap: Guerra in control

With a commanding lead of almost six minutes, Benito Guerra is set to secure the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship for 2012 when the season concludes on RallyRACC-Rally de Espana tomorrow.

After overnight leader Marcos Ligato dropped back with brake issues and with a transmission glitch affecting Yeray Lemes on Saturday’s second stage, Guerra was in front when team-mate and closest title rival Michal Kosciuszko crashed out from second on stage nine.

“I’m really happy, today was a great day,” said Mexican Guerra, who heads Indonesia’s Subhan Aksa by 5m56.5s. “I’m now very close to achieving my goal so we just need to keep focused and keep everything on the road. I can’t make any mistakes so tomorrow will just be about getting to the end without any problems. We are in a very comfortable position but I am sure that the six stages left will feel very long.”

Ukraine’s Valeriy Gorban had been in second for Mentos Ascania Racing when brake woes dropped his Mitsubishi Lancer behind Aksa who, like Gorban, can win the title if Guerra hits trouble on day three.

Ligato, who is fourth tonight, lost six minutes on today’s second stage due to brake problems, dropping him to fourth. “There’s not much else I can do,” said the Argentine. “It’s not over until the results are final so now we must push to try and gain some more positions.”

Spanish wildcard Josep Membrado is fifth overnight with Italian Lorenzo Bertelli overcoming a double picture to complete day two in sixth position. Kosciuszko is set to restart under Rally 2 rules in seventh place but would need several drivers to falter if he is to snatch the title from Ralliart Italia team-mate Guerra.